The demise of Bhupen Hazarka, cultural icon, is a great loss not only for Assam but also for the entire country, Amar Ghosh, a member of TAA said here on Sunday.

“I admire him for his passion as he used to sing for social causes”, Ghosh who did not meet the legendary figure but listened to his songs extensively, said.

“The most important part of his songs was the appeal for social cause which is absent in today’s songs”, he said adding the TAA members will meet soon to decide on the best possible way to pay respect to Bhupen Hazarika. “Certainly, the TAA will organise a musical show highlighting his creations”, Ghosh added.

The demise of legendary Bhupen Hazarika has created a void in the cultural front no only in Assam but also in the entire country, said Ranjana Baruah, a prominent singer.

“I heard this shocking news on TV and have no words to express myself”, Baruah, who is currently in Jorhat, Assam, said over telephone on Sunday. She said, he has taken the Assamese folk music to even the international stage.

“I have grown up listening to his music and it has encouraged me a lot”, she said adding that his absence will be felt in every sphere of life.

Samir Kumar Das, an eminent Rabindra researcher said that he had first heard of Bhupen Hazarika in 1952 when he was just gaining popularity.

“His each creation is unique and left people humming his songs like Dil hoom hoom kare……., Ganga behti ho kyon”, he said. “His death has created a vacuum in the cultural front in the North East and we are shocked at his demise”, he added.