Mentorship has become a buzzword in today’s talent conversations. But in truth, it has existed for centuries—often in informal yet deeply transformative ways. One such little-known relationship profoundly shaped the journey of India’s beloved bard, Dr. Bhupen Hazarika.

Today marks the 99th birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, a fitting start to his centenary celebrations in Assam and across the world. His early exposure to music came through his mother, but his journey was soon influenced by extraordinary figures. The visionary Jyoti Prasad Agarwala, a pioneer who studied filmmaking in Germany, founded Assam’s first film studio, and produced the first Assamese movie, recognized his talent early on. Later, another cultural titan, Bishnu Prasad Rabha—revolutionary, artist, poet, and anthropologist – left a lasting mark on the young Hazarika.
In 1952, he earned his doctorate in mass communication from Columbia University and used his academic insights masterfully across artistic mediums and languages – predominantly Assamese, Bengali and Hindi. An extremely rare, gifted polymath, Dr. Hazarika went on to excel as a singer, composer, lyricist, writer, and filmmaker. He had a foray in politics too, spurred on by his interest in social change. Yet, behind this towering figure stood a pivotal influence— Nagendra Nath Bezbora, a fellow Assamese and lifelong friend. Their paths crossed during Hazarika’s teenage years, sparking a bond that would endure for more than 70 years. Both are featured in the image, taken from pics in the 1940s and in the 1990s.
The Mentor Behind the Scenes
When Bezbora joined Banaras Hindu University (BHU), he encouraged the younger Hazarika to follow. Once there, he guided him through student life and drew him into his orchestra. The two often performed classical concerts on the banks of the Ganges, encouraged by none other than BHU’s Vice Chancellor at the time—Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who later became India’s second President.
Bezbora’s mentorship at this crucial stage provided Hazarika not only with artistic direction but also with stability and encouragement. Their relationship deepened over the decades, with Bezbora serving as a confidant and sounding board for many of Hazarika’s songs.
Parallel Journeys of Excellence
Settled in Lonavla, Maharashtra, Bezbora who studied metallurgy in London, lived a life of astonishing breadth. He was a pioneer in India’s ball bearing industry, a precision engineering expert, a prolific photographer who built his own darkroom in the 1950s, a skilled keyboardist and flautist (even performed live at BBC Studios), and a composer. His passion for Assamese culture remained unwavering, as seen through his active role in the early days of Assam Association in Mumbai. Widely travelled, his accomplishments stretched well beyond work and music — he climbed the Alps, pursued gardening, acted on stage, and even took part in the freedom movement at great individual risk. Learned computer programming in his seventies. And into his eighties, he was still performing and recording music, embodying discipline and creativity. At a personal level, he built deep bonds with people irrespective of their backgrounds, and moulded men and metal with matching mettle.
Two Giants, One Bond
In the 1960s, seeing the prodigious talent and rise of Bhupenda, he advised him to come to Mumbai, the movie and music capital of India to pursue his professional journey there. Bhupenda declined and this led to the germination and subsequent composition of the famous “Akashi Gonga Bisora Nai” (Literal translation – “Not seeking the galactic Milky Way”) song, which speaks about the bard’s lack of desire for massive amounts of fame and fortune. Looking back, both men, though not very concerned with monetary success, led lives of rare richness. And that probably forged their association even further.
To those who encountered them—individually or together—the experience was unforgettable. They wore greatness lightly, never allowing acclaim to overshadow their humanity. Their relationship exemplified what true mentorship can achieve: not just professional success, but a lifelong exchange of trust, creativity, and inspiration. With the families being in touch across continents. Mr. Bezbora was someone who was with you during your brightest days and darkest nights and Bhupenda often sought his counsel, whether for music or personal matters. As he was missing Bezbora’s wedding (he was studying at Columbia), he sent a heartfelt letter, received on the marriage day. Cherished deeply, it is nothing less than a priceless heirloom. He later surprised them by attending their 50th wedding anniversary and composed poems for family occasions, gifts of unique and timeless literary value.
As Assam and the world celebrate Dr. Bhupen Hazarika’s 99th birth anniversary enroute to his centenary, it is worth remembering the significant role of Nagendra Nath Bezbora—a mentor, friend, and elder brother figure—whose quiet but invaluable guidance helped shape the legend we revere today.

Just goes to show the power of mentorship transcends far beyond the corporate world. At times, it can help in creating the journey of a Bharat Ratna.