1st Bhupen Hazarika National Award 2026 to be given to Usha Mangeshkar on November 29

The Assam government will present the first Dr Bhupen Hazarika National Award to singer Usha Mangeshkar on November 29 in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hand over the honour. The announcement came from Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma after a state cabinet meeting.

What is the Dr. Bhupen Hazarika National Award?

The Dr. Bhupen Hazarika National Award is a new honour instituted by the Assam government in memory of Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika, the legendary singer-composer from Assam.

Key Features of the Award

• Prize: ₹10 lakh in cash along with a citation
• Frequency: Given once every three years
• Eligibility: Open to internationally acclaimed singers, composers, lyricists, film directors, actors, or professionals from fields linked to Hazarika’s work
• Level: National award, presented by the Assam government

Who is Usha Mangeshkar?

Usha Mangeshkar is a well-known Indian playback singer, best recognised for her work in Hindi and Marathi music. She belongs to the celebrated Mangeshkar family and is the sister of Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle. Her career spans several decades in Indian film and regional music.

Why is Usha Mangeshkar receiving the Dr. Bhupen Hazarika National Award?

The Assam cabinet chose her as the first recipient of the new award. The ceremony will also mark the end of the year-long celebrations of Bhupen Hazarika’s birth centenary, which Assam has been observing across the state.

Other Award To Be Given By Assam Government 

1. The prize money of the Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev International Award rises from ₹10 lakh to ₹15 lakh.
2. Dr Harsha Bhattacharjee, founder trustee of Sri Sankardeva Nethralaya, will receive the Asom Vaibhab, the state’s highest civilian honour, for 2025.
3. Dr Kushal Konwar Sarma, Nuruddin Ahmed, Pulak Banerjee and Purnima Devi Barman will receive the Asom Saurabh awards.
4. A ₹300 crore investment by the Welspun Group in Rangia, Kamrup district, was approved.
5. Election rules for the Mising Autonomous Council and Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council were cleared, with elections expected in November.