Fans condole Assam Ratna’s death

The entire Assam on Saturday plunged in to a pall of gloom when the news of Dr Bhupen Hazarika's death was spreading like wild fire.

His family members have been camping in Mumbai after he was rushed to the hospital in June.

President Pratibha Patil led the nation to condole the death of the maestro. Vice President Dr Hamid Ansari, Prime minister Manmohan Singh, Assam Governor JB Patnaik and Chief minister Tarun Gogoi have mourned Dr Hazarika’s death. Gogoi said,"his loss is a great loss for the country. His music was universal.”

His long time associate and film maker Kalpana Lajmi who was beside Hazarika till the end of the moment said,” his spirit was great, but what to do, his body gave way. It is a very difficult time for all of us. The doctors did a wonderful job.”

Condolence and prayer meetings are being held across the state in the evening. Fans and well wishers across the state came out on the streets singing his popular songs and holding street corner prayer meetings by lighting earthen lamps.

Meanwhile, the Assam government is gearing up for his last rites in Guwahati on Wednesday or Thursday.