Intellectually brilliants, he studied at Cotton College, Benares Hindu University and did his PhD from Columbia University. A unique quality of Dr. Hazarika was that he mostly sang his own composed songs which reflected his concern for the weak and oppressed. He spoke against corruption and discrimination in the name of caste and creed. He wanted to build an egalitarian society free from the vices of caste and creed and where the weak and oppressed would get their rightful place in the society. Greatly influenced by the Black Civil Rights activist and singer Paul Robson in America Dr. Hazarika took up music as a catalyst to bring change in the society. He joined the Indian People’s theatre Association (IPTA) in Assam and composed and sang for the upliftment of the weak and oppressed [1]. He tried to bring the people of hill and plains of Assam Closer through music and culture. In times of conflict and chaos, it was Dr. Hazarika to whom the people looked up to for advice and guidance. During the Indo-China war of 1962, the language movement and the Assam Agitation, Dr. Hazarika’s songs tried to bring hope and solace to the people. He spoke to the people through his songs. Love, romance, betrayal, the various tribes of the Northeast found a voice through his immortal songs. Just as Paul Robson, he considered music as a medium of Social Change. Generations of Assamese people have grown up singing the songs of humanity composed by the maestro. His songs continue to be a source of inspiration to the Assamese people even today.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to explore the influence of the songs of Dr Bhupen Hazarika on the people of Assam and how it acted as a catalyst of social change.

METHODS/METHODOLOGY

The study is mainly documentary. The main sources of data are songs and written documents by Dr Hazarika and by others written about him.

DISCUSSION

Music has always served throughout history as a powerful tool of social change. It has ignited revolutions and has united communities in their struggle for justice, equality and freedom. It has always transcended boundaries and inspired change. From the troubadours of the Middle Ages to the Digital Age of today, music has played an important role in shaping the world we live in.

In the Middle Ages, troubadours and minstrels moved around the European countryside with musical instruments like lutes and harps. They spoke of love, chivalry and social commentary [2]. They gave voice to the common people through their melodies and lyrics. They criticized the aristocracy and highlighted the injustices of the time. They played an important role during the power struggle between the Pope and the secular rulers. They composed songs that criticized the corruption and abuses of the catholic church. Their songs became a medium of protest challenging the ruling class.

Music was used as a powerful tool during the Reformation movement led by Martin Luther. It was used to communicate religious ideas and to challenge the authority of the Catholic Church [3]. Luther’s hym, ‘A mighty Fortress is our God’, became an anthem for Protestant reformers in their quest for religious freedom. The invention of the printing press during this period played an important role in disseminating musical compositions. This allowed people to actively participate in religious services. This democratization of music empowered individuals and fostered a sense of community, thereby contributing to social and religious change.

The Enlightenment Era similarly witnessed intellectual and social upheaval and music played a pivotal role in driving social change. One iconic example is Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony [4]. In a Europe still recovering from the Napoleonic Wars and grappling with political and social unrest, Beethoven’s symphony represented hope for a peaceful and united continent. Significantly, Beethoven’s symphony today has been chosen as the anthem of the European Union.

In the 20^th century, there have been a number of music-driven social movements that sought to challenge injustice and promote equality. Folk artists like Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan used their music as a platform to address labour issues, civil rights and anti-war sentiments. Their songs inspired the people and became rallying cries for change. Woody Guthrie’s iconic song, ‘This Land is your Land, ‘was a symbol of unity and inclusivity. Another example is Bob Dylan’s., ‘The Times They are a Changin’, released in 1964. This song became an anthem for the civil rights movement, resonating with those fighting for racial equality and social justice.

The 1960s marked a period of significant social and cultural change and music played a central role in the counter-culture movement. Rock n’ roll became the soundtrack of resistance with bands like the Beatles and The Rolling Stones using their music to express anti-establishment sentiments. The Woodstock Festival in 1969 became a symbol of peace, love and rejection of societal norms. The music of this era became a powerful tool for social change, challenging traditional values and advocating for individual freedom.

The power of music in triggering social revolution has been seen in the 21^st century. The Arab Spring, a series of pro-Democracy movements swept across the Middle East and North Africa in 2010 and 2011. In Egypt, Rammy Essam’s iconic song ‘Irhal’ (Leave) became the anthem for protesters demanding political reform and an end to authoritarian.

In today’s Digital Age, social media platforms and streaming services have carried forward music’s influence on social revolutions. Artists can now reach global audience instantaneously, spreading their message and connecting with individuals who share their vision for a better world. Movements like Blacklives Matter have harnessed the power of music as a means of spreading their message and mobilizing supporters.

In India, songs and music have been an integral part of its social life and culture. Saints and Sufis have sung religious hyms in praise of the lord. Songs and ballads in the rural areas are today considered to be a chronicle of past events which touched the lives of the people. With the advent of films and cinema, film music and songs have also played a catalytic role in a changing society. Songs like ‘Vande Mataram’ became the clarion call for freedom during our freedom movement against British rule.

As in other parts of the country, songs and music were also an integral part of the culture and civilization of Assam. The rich collection of Assamese ballads and Bihu songs reflect the hopes and aspirations of the people of that age. Fifteenth century Assamese Saint and reformer Sri Sankareva played an important role in changing the prevailing society through the use of neo-Vaishnante teaching and utilizing the medium of songs, drama, art and craft to carry forward his message. Assam’s cultural icon Rupkonwar Jyotiprasad Agarwala, the maker of the of the first Assamese film Joymati in 1935 composed the immortal song ‘Biswa Bijoi Naw Jawan’ to give a clarion call to the youths to fight for the country’s freedom and against all forms of corruption and evil in the society.

Dr. Bhupen Hazarika who followed in the footsteps of his Guru Sri Sankardeva and his cultural mentor Jyotiprasad Agarwala was a person who in spite of a brilliant academic achievement which included a Phd from Columbia University devoted his entire life to the world of songs and music- a music which was relevant to the needs of an emerging society facing the challenges of social barriers, traditional beliefs, new forms of corruption and materialism. His mindset and personality were molded by Mahatma Gandhi’s non- violent movement., Subhash Chandra Bose’s armed revolt, Jyotiprasad’s songs of freedom and the fire of Bengali poet Nazrul’s ‘Agnibinar’ songs.

Dr Hazarika was a global citizen. His songs ‘Manuhe Manohar babe’, ‘Sagar Sangamot Kotana Saturilu’, ‘Moi ek jajabor’, ‘Ganga Mor Ma’, ‘Mandela Zindabad’, ‘Bondo Bishye’ reflect his universal vision. His deep sense of humanity is reflected in songs like ‘Prothom nohoi, ditiyo nahai’, ‘Bor Barishar Bane Khohai nile nao’, ‘Panei Ponakon’. His sense of nationalism and pride as an Assamese and his revolutionary spirit is reflected in songs like ‘Agnijugor Firingoti Moi’, ‘Bistirno Parore’, ‘Topto Tikhere Agni Sakti’, ‘Prosando Dhumuhae muk prosna Kare’, ‘Nami Aha Sundorore Sena Silpi Dol’.

Dr Bhupen Hazarika was considered as a philosopher and guide to the Assamese people and society. In the immortal song, ‘Aami Asomiya Nahao Dukhiya’, always used as a clarion call during times of distress, he asserts the identity of the Assamese people to live with pride and dignity in their land. He calls upon the people not to be complacent but work hard to assure their place in the sun. In the face of successive waves of migration of people from outside, the Assamese today are facing an existential crisis. If things continue this way and the Assamese fail to resist them they may end up being beggars and refugees in their own land. He calls upon the people not to forget the words and deeds of the great general Lachit Barphukan, cultural icon Jyotiprasad Agarwala and Ambikagiri Raychoudhury who warned the people of the great danger.

In one of the popular Bihu songs ‘Bohag Mathu Eti Ritu Nohoi’, he heralds the advent of the spring festival ‘Bohag Bihu’ in Assam. He says that Bohag is not only a season for the Assamese people but it is the lifeline of the Assamese grace. He says that Bohag dispels the darkness of petty differences over caste and creed and ushers in now energy to face the challenges of life and the society.

Dr Hazarika was determined to change the prevailing sense of complacency in the society. In the song, ‘Prasanda Dhumuhai prasna korile Muk’, he says that he has been blessed by the vision of space, the strength of nature’s storms. The voice and courage of thunder. Armed with these supernatural qualities he has determined to rock the world by singing the songs of humanity in a world ruled by crooks and thugs. Even if for a friction of a second, he could arouse the unconscious world by electrifying them he would be thankful to nature’s bounties.

The changing world order in the mid-20^th century finds a place in his song ‘Protidhoni Huno Moi’, a song composed in the early fifties of the last century. It reflects the ramblings of people’s power in neighboring China where the voice of the masses shakes mountains. The echo of the mass uprising in even heard in India across the great Himalayas.

Dr Hazarika always spoke for the oppressed in the society. In his revolutionary song, ‘Dhak Dhak Dhak’, he takes the Dhak (drummer) as the symbol of the deprived masses. The Dhak has been playing for generations but his lot has not improved [5]. The toiling masses like him have been exploited over the years without any productive remuneration. They have gone deeper into penury with their hopes and aspirations mortgaged to the capitalist classes. Their young women sell their bodies for pecuniary benefit. Though big in numbers they have lost all courage. Like docile flocks of sheep, they count their time in the dark alleys of the night. Why did you not become spirited horses? He tells the Dhak that for them the dhak is not only a musical instrument but also a weapon. He calls upon them to disrobe the exploiters and expose them and build a new society.

Dr Hazarika’s songs were always a source of inspiration to the Assamese society. An anthem like song is ‘Aah Ulai Aah’, where he gives a clarion call to the people to come out to fight the forces of evil even at the cost of our lives. Even if our leaders get confused or are hesitant we should go forward to crush our enemies. He says we should not be silent spectators to the sufferings of our people. Struggle is another name for life’s journey. History always reminds us of the victory of the people over evil forces.

Dr Hazarika always identified himself with the masses. In the song, ‘Prothom Nahoi Ditiya Nahai’, he says that in the journey of life he is a passenger in the third-class category where the general masses travel in a train. He compares the shrieking whistle of the train to the oppressed cry of humanity which evaporates like the billowing steam [6]. Life’s journey carries its own share of baggage of sorrows and unfulfilled aspirations. As part of masses, Dr Hazarika believes that they would arrive together at their destination.

In his powerful song ‘Muktikami Lakhyajonor’, written in the aftermath of the declaration of Emergency in the country in 1975 which curtailed the freedom of expression of the people. He declares that even the silence of the freedom loving people sends a powerful message. The light of courage is slowly spreading among the people and they are biding their time. The light of freedom itself is hidden in the darkness of the night. Closed doors fear the open air of freedom. Hope rings eternal in the pores of the people. It is time to go forward and defeat the forces of oppression in a peaceful manner.

Dr Hazarika himself tries to highlight the power of music through his song ‘Chirojugomiya dhou tuli’, where he says that the eternal tides flow endlessly carrying away the old and new debris of life. Even as dazzling inventions and discoveries try to imprint themselves in the sands of time-hope flows eternally in the veins of man. In the mindset of these laws of nature the singer tries immortalize himself through his songs by trying to reach out throughout the world transcending boundaries.

The power and influence of Dr Hazarika’s songs as a catalyst of change in Assamese society can be seen from the spontaneous show of love and affections of the people at his death 2011, which is unprecedented for any artists in the world. At least seven lakh people paid their respect to the great singer as his body laid in rest in Guwahati. It took nine hours for his body to reach his Nizarapar residence from the airport in Guwahati.

SUMMARY

From the above discussion we have observed:

Music and songs have over the ages played an important role as catalyst of change in the society.

Troubadours and minstrels tried to disseminate messages of love, chivalry and discontent in the Middle Ages.

The invention of the printing press gave to boost to spread of church hyms and increase congregation of people.

During the Reformation movement in Europe Martin Luther used the medium of songs to reach out to the people in his fight against the catholic Church. The 20^th century saw the use of folk music by Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan to speak out against racial discrimination and wars.

The sixties witnessed the rock n roll music of the Beatles and The Rolling Stones to fight against traditional beliefs and culture. The 21^st century saw the power of music in the Arab Spring movement for greater freedom and democracy in the autocratic regimes of the Arab and African Countries. Dr Bhupen Hazarika’s music and songs charted its own chapter in the Indian State of Assam in the 20^th century to act as a catalyst of social change. Even in the Digital Age, songs and music have found social platforms which has given greater reach and connectivity with like-minded individuals all over the world.

CONCLUSION

Music and songs have always been an integral part of human society. Over the age’s music has always acted as a catalyst of social change, challenging the status quo and inspiring people and communities to struggle for a better society. From the Middle Age to the Digital Age today music has acted as a catalyst for revolutions, giving voice to the weak and oppressed and uniting people in the struggle for equality, liberty and freedom.

History has been a witness to the power of music and songs. It has challenged the hegemony of feudal system, shaken the foundation of the powerful catholic Church in Europe while advocating for greater religious freedom. Music gave a boost to the struggle for equal rights and civil liberties in a divided world. It has transcended boundaries reaching out to the weak and oppressed and thereby playing a pivotal role in changing the course of history.