Assam institutes Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika National Award; singer Usha Mangeshkar to be first recipient
The Assam cabinet on 23 October 2026 approved the 'Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika National Award' (₹10 lakh and a citation, given every three years), and named singer Usha Mangeshkar its first recipient; PM Modi will present it at Bharat Mandapam on 29 November.
Summary
The Assam cabinet on 23 October 2026 approved a national-level award, the 'Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika National Award', to honour contributions to music and culture, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced. Veteran singer Usha Mangeshkar will be its first recipient for her contribution to Indian music and her association with Hazarika's works. The award carries ₹10 lakh in cash and a citation and will be given once every three years to a nationally or internationally recognised figure in music, arts or cinema. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will present it on 29 November 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, at the closing ceremony of Hazarika's birth centenary celebrations. Hazarika was born on 8 September 1926 in Sadiya (Assam) and was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 2019.
Key facts
- Award
- Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika National Award
- Instituted by
- Assam cabinet, 23 October 2026
- First recipient
- Usha Mangeshkar (singer)
- Prize
- ₹10 lakh and a citation
- Frequency
- Once every three years
- Presentation
- By PM Narendra Modi, 29 November 2026, Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
- Occasion
- Closing of Bhupen Hazarika birth centenary
- Bhupen Hazarika
- Born 8 Sep 1926, Sadiya (Assam); Bharat Ratna 2019 (posthumous)
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Who has been named the first recipient of the 'Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika National Award' instituted by the Assam government in October 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Usha Mangeshkar
Consider the following statements about the Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika National Award: 1. It carries a cash prize of ₹10 lakh and a citation. 2. It will be conferred every year. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Bhupen Hazarika, whose birth centenary concludes on 29 November 2026, was born in which place in Assam?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Sadiya