Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, in his role as Minister for Communications and Development of the North Eastern Region, conferred the Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika National Awards at a cultural ceremony in Guwahati. Organised by Sarhad Pune, the event was a heartfelt tribute to Bhupen Hazarika’s centenary year, honouring the music legend’s legacy of unity through art.
Honouring Bhupen Hazarika’s Legacy
- Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, also known as Bhupen Da, was not only a celebrated musician and poet but also a towering cultural icon who gave voice to the dreams and struggles of India’s diverse communities, especially those in the Northeast.
- Union Minister Scindia described Hazarika as someone whose songs and writings transcended linguistic and regional barriers.
- By establishing national awards in his name, India is celebrating “an era of empathy and cultural synthesis”, not just an individual artist.
- This year’s award ceremony holds extra significance as it coincides with the 100th birth anniversary of Bhupen Hazarika, marking a century of his profound contributions to India’s cultural fabric.
Awardees from the Northeast
- The Dr. Bhupen Hazarika National Awards were conferred on six distinguished individuals from the Northeastern region, each of whom has made vital contributions to preserving and promoting the cultural, literary, and artistic heritage of the region.
Award Recipients
- Yeshe Dorjee Thongchi (Arunachal Pradesh): An acclaimed writer known for blending indigenous storytelling with contemporary themes.
- Laishram Mema (Manipur): A leading literary figure preserving Manipuri language and traditions.
- Rajni Basumatary (Assam): An actress and filmmaker whose work focuses on women’s issues and rural narratives.
- L. R. Sailo (Mizoram): A writer and translator promoting Mizo literature.
- Dr. Surjya Kanta Hazarika (Assam): A scholar and cultural historian who has extensively chronicled Assam’s literary evolution.
- Prof. David R. Syiemlieh (Meghalaya): A historian and former UPSC chairman, known for his academic work on Northeast identity and history.
These recipients represent the diversity and intellectual vibrancy of the Northeast, contributing in areas like literature, cinema, language preservation, and academic research.
Key Points
- Event held on 3 November 2025, Guwahati
- Organised by Sarhad Pune
- Awards named after Bhupen Hazarika, cultural icon of Assam
- Conferred by Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia
- Six awardees from six Northeastern states