Guwahati: Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a ₹100 commemorative coin to mark the birth centenary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, Assam’s legendary singer and cultural icon. The event took place during the Prime Minister’s visit to Guwahati after completing a day-long tour of Mizoram and Manipur.
Calling the coin a true tribute from the nation, PM Modi said it honours Dr. Hazarika’s unmatched contribution to Indian culture and music.
First Commemorative Coin for an Assamese Personality
Dr. Bhupen Hazarika becomes the first personality from Assam to receive a commemorative coin in his honour. As per media reports the ₹100 coin, minted at the India Government Mint, Mumbai, under the Ministry of Finance, is made of pure silver, weighs 40 grams, and measures 44 mm in diameter.
One side of the coin carries Dr. Hazarika’s portrait with the inscription “Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Birth Centenary” in Hindi and English along the circumference, with 2025 printed below. The reverse side displays the Ashoka Pillar emblem with the ₹100 denomination and the words “भारत” and “INDIA” on either side.
Book on Bhupen Hazarika’s Life Released
Along with the coin, PM Modi also released a book on Dr. Hazarika’s life written by noted author Anuradha Sarma Borpujari.
This centenary celebration is seen as a major moment of pride for Assam, highlighting Bhupen Hazarika’s enduring legacy as the voice of Northeast India and a symbol of India’s cultural unity.
