Twenty days after maestro Bhupen Hazarika passed away,his son Punnag Tej Hazarika on Thursday dismissed the Bhupen Hazarika Cultural Trust headed by the legends long-time companion Kallpana Lajmi and said he would set up a legitimate foundation to preserve his fathers legacy. I have heard of a Trust in my fathers name. I am not part of it and know little about it except what I have heard in random soundbytes that seem more intent on holding on to control my fathers estates than any plans to preserve his legacy. Names of a board of trustees have been floated without any consultation with his immediate family members,including myself, Tej told a press conference here. Tej,the only son of Bhupen Hazarika,alleged that some people might have profited from his fathers physical,mental and psychological disability since he fell ill in April 2006. Tej,however,did not mention Lajmis name,who is currently chairperson of the Trust. Emphasising that he was serious about preserving Hazarikas legacy,Tej said it was a responsibility only to be shouldered by those who are serious and selfless. The current Trust does not embody any of these qualities. Refuting Tejs allegations,Lajmi and Sunil Nath,chairperson and executive trustee,respectively of the Trust,said the organisation was constituted by the musician in 2000 and the members had no commercial motive. Nath admitted that the Trust,which was allotted five bighas of government land on payment of a low premium,had signed an agreement with a real estate company to develop the plot. Nath added the Trust had invited Tej to become a trustee but he is yet to say yes or no. Lajmi,who lived with the maestro for four decades,said she felt like she was stabbed in my back,with Tej dismissing the locus standii of the Trust she heads.
