Assamese culture shines in Houston with 'Bhupenda Uncut' screening

Assamese culture celebrated in Houston with screening of 'Bhupenda Uncut'

Houston, October 4

The screening was accompanied by an engaging showcase of Assam's rich cultural traditions, featuring traditional Assamese dance, soulful musical performances and an array of regional cuisine.

The occasion was graced by Ambassador Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri, who delivered an insightful keynote address on Dr Hazarika and his remarkable contribution to Indian art, music and culture.

Consulate General DC Manjunath welcomed the gathering and acknowledged the significant contributions of the Assamese community in Houston.

'Bhupenda Uncut', directed by Bobbeeta Sharma and produced by Chinmoy Sharma, served as the centrepiece of the cultural evening. The documentary offered an authentic portrayal of Dr Hazarika's life and legacy, providing audiences an opportunity to revisit the journey and influence of a figure whose music and creative work transcended regional and linguistic boundaries.

The event was curated with the support of the Assamese Cultural Society of Greater Houston (ACSGH), whose efforts brought together film, music, dance and cuisine to create a comprehensive celebration of Assamese identity and heritage.

Revisiting the moments, Ambassador Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri, in an X post, wrote, "From the Brahmaputra to Houston, Bhupenda's voice still travels without a passport. A beautiful celebration of Dr Bhupen Hazarika - where music became memory, Assam became emotion, and our diaspora became the bridge carrying India's cultural soul across continents. Grateful to @cgihou and the Assamese community of Greater Houston for keeping that bridge vibrant."

Hazarika, popularly known as 'Sudhakantha' and the 'Bard of the Brahmaputra', remains one of Assam's most influential cultural figures. His work in music and cinema carried the stories, aspirations and cultural identity of Assam and the Northeast to audiences across India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute to Hazarika on Tuesday, saying his voice carried the soul of Assam and the spirit of the Northeast to the entire nation.

— ANI