Guwahati, 24 October (HS): Eminent playback singer Usha Mangeshkar will be conferred with the Dr Bhupen Hazarika National Award as part of the birth centenary celebrations of Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika. The Assam government has also announced the state's highest civilian awards for 2025 and increased the prize money of the Srimanta Sankaradeva Award to ₹15 lakh.

Assam BJP president and Darang-Udalguri MP Dilip Saikia on Saturday thanked Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma-led state government for the initiatives, stating that they would strengthen Assam's cultural heritage, creative traditions and regional pride.

In a press statement issued by BJP Assam Pradesh media panellist Umi Deka Baruah from the party headquarters, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Bhawan, Saikia described Bhupen Hazarika as an invaluable cultural asset not only for Assam but also for the entire country. He said the legendary singer's timeless music, humanist philosophy and universal outlook transcended linguistic and regional boundaries and conveyed the message of human unity.

Saikia recalled that the Narendra Modi-led Union government conferred the Bharat Ratna posthumously on Hazarika in 2019 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Indian culture.

As part of the birth centenary celebrations, a special programme will be organised at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on November 29. The decision to confer the Dr Bhupen Hazarika National Award on Usha Mangeshkar is expected to further strengthen the cultural bonds between Assam and the wider Indian music fraternity, he said.

Around 1,000 singers from Assam are scheduled to perform Hazarika's iconic songs, including 'Manuhe Manuhar Babe' and 'We Are in the Same Boat, Brother', at the programme. Saikia said the performances would help carry forward the legendary musician's humanist ideals among younger generations.

The BJP state president also welcomed the announcement of Assam's highest civilian awards for 2025, saying the honours recognise distinguished contributions across various fields.

Renowned physician Dr Harsha Bhattacharya has been selected for the Asom Baibhav, the state's highest civilian honour. Dr Kushal Konwar Sarma, Nuruddin Ahmed, Pulak Banerjee and Purnima Devi Barman have been selected for the Asom Saurav award.

The Asom Gaurav awards will recognise the contributions of Debiprasad Bagrodia, Halicharan Narzary, Simu Das, Harkanta Basumatary, Dhanjit Talukdar, Nibedita Yen, Mayank Chakraborty, Jiten Sarafangsa, Tanumaya Sonowal Biswakarma and Dikpal Lahon, among others.

Saikia said the recognition of personalities from diverse fields, including healthcare, culture, sports and public service, would encourage individuals contributing to Assam's social and cultural development.

He also welcomed the increase in the prize money of the Srimanta Sankaradeva Award to ₹15 lakh, describing the move as a recognition of Assam's Vaishnavite heritage, literary traditions and spiritual legacy.

Referring to the nationwide celebration of the 400th birth anniversary of Ahom general Lachit Barphukan, Saikia said the state government had also sought to highlight Assam's valour, patriotism and glorious history at the national level.

He maintained that honouring eminent personalities, recognising the contributions of artists and literary figures, and acknowledging individuals who serve society were among the key responsibilities of a government.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash