The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has condoled the passing away of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika. Following is the text of the Prime Minister's message:

"It is with great sorrow that I learnt of the passing away of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika.

In Dr. Hazarika's sad demise, India has lost one of its most gifted artists. Dr. Hazarika's extraordinary talent encompassed not only music and literature but also cinema acting and direction. His contribution greatly enriched our cultural landscape and his influence on Assamese art and culture was particularly profound. The reverence with which Dr. Hazarika was looked upto and the innumerable awards that he received are a tribute to his dazzling brilliance and creativity, and his love for the people.

The void that Dr. Hazarika's passing away has caused will never be filled.

On this sad occasion, I offer my deepest condolences to the family, friends and countless admirers of Dr. Hazarika."