Lyricist Bhupen Hazarika. file | Photo Credit: AP
Guwahati
The creative works of two of Assam’s greatest cultural and literary figures, Bhupen Hazarika and Navkant Barua, will be showcased during a poetry program on February 13 at the historic West Bengal University, founded by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore.
Assam-based Raul Kaushik Nath Foundation on Sunday (February 8, 2026) announced the program of the sixth edition of ‘Moncobita’ at Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan. Held every February, Monkobita is an initiative of the Foundation to celebrate the works of famous poets of Assam.
A statement from the foundation said, “This edition of Monkobita will honor two iconic personalities whose works still influence and shape Assamese literature and music: Navkant Barua and Bhupen Hazarika. Apart from celebrating their remarkable artistic legacies, Monkobita 2026 holds special significance as it celebrates the 100th birth anniversary of both cultural figures, celebrating the lasting impact of their contributions to literature, music and the collective imagination.”
The Shantiniketan program is being organized in partnership with the Department of Assamese, Visva-Bharati University and the Bhupen Hazarika Cultural Trust.
Hazarika, fondly called Sudhakantha (nectar-voiced) and known as the Bard of the Brahmaputra, was a versatile singer, composer, filmmaker, lyricist, poet and visionary – whose work transcended regional boundaries and engaged with universal issues of humanity, unity and social justice.
Although his roots were in Assam, his artistic journey forged important and lasting connections with West Bengal and its cultural landscape. In the early 1950s, Kolkata became an important artistic center for him; He lived and worked in that city for many years, building relationships with Bengali artists and enriching the vibrant music scene of the region.
The connection with Bengal extends beyond mere geography; It symbolizes the blending of cultural viewpoints that enriched his artistic expression and enabled him to put forward his message of universal unity to a great extent.
Known as a poet, novelist and author of children’s literature Akhud Kokaideu (the younger elder brother), Barua remains a major figure in modern Assamese literature. He was one of the most respected Tagore scholars of Assam.
In 1943, Barua began a full-fledged academic journey at Visva-Bharati University, where he pursued his studies before obtaining a BA Honors in English in 1947. His tenure at Santiniketan broadened his intellectual horizons and immersed him in the blend of cultural spirit and literary traditions championed by Tagore, which deeply influenced his outlook as a poet and humanist.
This year’s Monkobita will consist of two components – an educational segment and a cultural segment. The academic session will be held at the Bhasha Bhawan of the university, while the cultural program will be held at the Lipika Auditorium, which will include several programs including poetry recitation, songs and dance.
Monkobita is curated by Bipuljyoti Saikia and Nayan Prasad in collaboration with the trustees of the Raoul Kaushik Nath Foundation, including actor Adil Hussain, film critic Utpal Borpujari, media personality Kaushik Nath and entrepreneur Riniki Bhuyan Sarma.
Apart from Monkobita, the Foundation organizes every year Mongeet, Montulika, Monmritika (residential workshops for budding musicians, painters, and sculptors), Ahrar Akholi (a workshop focusing on traditional cuisine), and Xotphool (a summer music workshop for school children).
published – February 08, 2026 05:05 PM IST