PM Modi Pays Tribute to Zubeen Garg, Bhupen Hazarika and SL Bhyrappa in Mann Ki Baat Address

Zubeen Garg passed away in Singapore on September 19.

New Delhi:

During his Mann Ki Baat address on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid heartfelt tributes to renowned Assamese singers Bhupen Hazarika and Zubeen Garg, as well as celebrated Karnataka author SL Bhyrappa, highlighting their significant cultural contributions to India.

PM Modi shared two songs by Bhupen Hazarika and remarked, "These melodies demonstrate how Bhupen Hazarika's music connects different nations worldwide. A particularly praiseworthy initiative has emerged from Sri Lanka, where local artists have translated Bhupen Da's iconic composition 'Manuhe-Manuhar Baba' into both Sinhala and Tamil languages. I've just played the audio of these remarkable renditions for you."

The Prime Minister also mentioned his participation in Hazarika's birth centenary celebrations in Assam, describing it as "truly a memorable event."

Speaking about the recently deceased Zubeen Garg, PM Modi expressed, "While Assam celebrates Bhupen Hazarika's birth centenary, a wave of sadness has descended upon us. People are mourning the untimely passing of Zubeen Garg."

"Zubeen Garg was a distinguished singer who gained recognition throughout India. He maintained a profound connection with Assamese culture. Zubeen Garg will forever remain etched in our memories, and his musical legacy will continue to inspire generations to come," the Prime Minister added before playing some of Garg's compositions.

জুবিন গাৰ্গ আছিল অসমৰ সাংস্কৃতিক ঐতিহ্যৰ এক উজ্জ্বল ৰত্ন। তেওঁ সদায় ৰাইজৰ হৃদয়ত জীয়াই থাকিব! #MannKiBaat pic.twitter.com/DhojpI1e7U

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 28, 2025

Honoring SL Bhyrappa, PM Modi shared, "A few days ago, our nation also lost the eminent thinker and philosopher, SL Bhyrappa. I had personal interactions with Bhyrappa, and we engaged in profound discussions on various subjects multiple times."

"His literary works will continue to shape the thinking of younger generations. Translations of many of his Kannada writings are widely available. He taught us the importance of taking pride in our roots and cultural heritage. I offer my sincere tribute to SL Bhyrappa ji and encourage young people to explore his literary collection," the Prime Minister concluded.