The Assam government will present the inaugural ‘Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika National Award’ to renowned singer Usha Mangeshkar on November 29, 2026, during a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking the conclusion of a year-long celebration of Hazarika’s birth centenary.
The Assam government has officially announced that the first-ever ‘Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika National Award’ will be conferred upon the eminent Indian singer Usha Mangeshkar. This decision was revealed by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma during a press conference held on October 23, 2026. The award is designed to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the fields of music and culture while perpetuating the legacy of Bhupen Hazarika, a celebrated figure in Indian music, composition, and filmmaking.
The award ceremony is slated to take place at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on November 29, 2026, coinciding with the concluding event of a year-long celebration commemorating Hazarika’s birth centenary. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to present the award, which includes a cash prize of ₹10 lakh and a citation recognizing the recipient’s contributions. The event is anticipated to attract between 5,000 to 7,000 attendees from across India.
Significance of Bhupen Hazarika
Bhupen Hazarika, often referred to as the ‘Bard of the Brahmaputra,’ was born on September 8, 1926, in Sadiya, located in Assam’s Tinsukia district, and passed away on November 5, 2011, in Mumbai. His exceptional music, poetry, and philosophical insights have significantly shaped Indian culture, transcending geographical and cultural divides. In recognition of his profound contributions to the arts, Hazarika was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, in 2019.
During the press conference, Chief Minister Sarma emphasized the importance of the forthcoming event, stating it must reflect Hazarika’s stature as a cultural icon whose creative genius enriched the cultural fabric of Assam and India. He noted that the celebration aims to carry forward Hazarika’s messages of humanity, harmony, and universal brotherhood to future generations while enhancing global awareness of his artistic contributions.
Event Highlights and Performances
The concluding ceremony is expected to be a grand affair, featuring musical tributes from renowned artists including Kavita Krishnamurthy, Shankar Mahadevan, and Shreya Ghoshal, alongside performances from various artists from Assam. These tributes aim to honor Hazarika’s enduring impact on India’s cultural heritage. Additionally, an exhibition showcasing Hazarika’s timeless works will be organized to introduce a broader international audience to his artistry.
Chief Minister Sarma reiterated the significance of Hazarika’s legacy, describing him as a unifying voice that brought people together through the universal language of music. The year-long celebrations began with a special tribute meeting attended by Prime Minister Modi, who also released a commemorative coin valued at ₹100 issued by the Reserve Bank of India in honor of Hazarika.
Broader Cultural Initiatives
In addition to the establishment of the Bhupen Hazarika National Award, the Assam cabinet has approved an increase in the cash prize for the prestigious ‘Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev Award’ to ₹15 lakh, reflecting its stature as a premier cultural honor. The cabinet also finalized the list of recipients for the 2025 State civilian awards, which are scheduled to be presented in December. Among the notable nominees is eminent ophthalmologist Dr. Harsha Bhattacharjee, nominated for the highest civilian award ‘Assam Baibhav,’ alongside other distinguished individuals recognized for their contributions in various fields including wildlife conservation, social work, and sports.
Moreover, the cabinet has approved amendments to the Assam Mineral Regulation and Dealers (Amendment) Rules, 2026, which reclassify extracted limestone into grades for better royalty collection. This amendment ensures that the government can collect proportional royalties based on the quality of the limestone extracted rather than a single flat rate, aiming to enhance financial management and transparency within the mining sector.
Furthermore, the cabinet has greenlit an investment proposal from Weetek Plastic Private Limited, part of the Welspun Group, to establish a manufacturing unit in Rangia, Kamrup district, with an estimated investment of ₹303.69 crore. This investment is expected to create approximately 300 job opportunities, contributing to local economic growth.
Lastly, the cabinet approved new election rules for the Mising and Sonowal Kachari autonomous councils, advising the State Election Commission to conduct elections for both councils by November 2026. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing local governance and ensuring a democratic process within these autonomous bodies.
