The Assam government has intensified preparations for the grand finale of Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika’s birth centenary celebrations. The state plans to hold the valedictory programme at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on November 29, 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the event alongside eminent artistes and cultural personalities from across the country.
Cultural Affairs Minister Bimal Bora chaired a high-level review meeting at Janata Bhawan in Guwahati on November 3. The meeting brought together member secretaries of various committees formed by the Assam government. They reviewed the progress of preparations and discussed the responsibilities assigned to each committee.
The government aims to organise a memorable tribute to the legendary singer, composer, lyricist and filmmaker. Moreover, the programme will provide a national platform to showcase Assam’s cultural heritage and celebrate Hazarika’s lasting influence on Indian music and society.
Bimal Bora Reviews Preparations for the Grand Finale
During the meeting, Bimal Bora stressed the importance of coordination among the different committees. He asked officials to complete their assigned responsibilities within the planned schedule.
The minister also reviewed the progress of various arrangements. He directed officials to address pending matters without delay and ensure smooth coordination between departments.
Furthermore, Bora highlighted the need to present Hazarika’s contributions to music, literature, cinema and social life meaningfully. He said the concluding programme should reflect the stature of an artiste whose creative work continues to inspire generations.
Additional Chief Secretary of the Cultural Affairs Department Dr B. Kalyan Chakravarty and Director of Cultural Affairs Rahul Chandra Das attended the meeting. Other senior government officials and committee representatives also participated in the discussions.
The minister urged every committee to maintain regular communication. This approach, he said, would help organisers complete the preparations on time.
Expert Committee Discusses Cultural Performances
Alongside the administrative review, an expert committee held a separate meeting under Bora’s chairmanship. The members discussed the artistic and creative elements of the proposed programme.
The discussions covered choreography, dance compositions and musical performances based on Hazarika’s songs. Members also reviewed the overall presentation, stage design and photographic concepts.
Several cultural personalities attended the meeting. These included Manisha Hazarika, Rupam Talukdar, Kamal Kataki, Rameswar Talukdar and Ranjit Gogoi. Senior officials from the Cultural Affairs Department also joined the discussions.
Bora shared suggestions on the proposed performances. He stressed that every artistic presentation should reflect Hazarika’s contribution to Indian culture.
In addition, the committee discussed ways to bring together artistes and cultural practitioners from different parts of the country. Their participation will help create a wider national tribute to the legendary musician.
The organisers want the programme to combine music, dance and visual presentations. Through these elements, they hope to introduce Hazarika’s artistic journey to audiences beyond Assam.
PM Modi Expected to Attend November 29 Ceremony
The grand finale will take place at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on November 29. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the ceremony and present the inaugural Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika National Award.
Veteran playback singer Usha Mangeshkar will receive the first edition of the award. The Assam government selected her in recognition of her contribution to Indian music.
The award will carry a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh along with a citation. Moreover, the government plans to confer the honour once every three years on a nationally or internationally recognised personality from music, arts or cinema.
Around 5,000 people from different walks of life are expected to attend the grand finale. The gathering will include dignitaries, artistes, cultural practitioners and admirers of Hazarika.
Renowned singers Kavita Krishnamurthy, Shankar Mahadevan and Shreya Ghoshal are also expected to participate in the musical tribute. Artistes from Assam will join them to celebrate the maestro’s remarkable contribution to Indian music.
Exhibition to Highlight Hazarika’s Life and Legacy
The programme will also showcase Hazarika’s life, achievements and artistic journey through cultural presentations and an exhibition.
The exhibition will highlight his contributions to music, literature, cinema and social life. It will also introduce visitors to the ideas and values reflected in his creative works.
Popularly known as the ‘Bard of the Brahmaputra’, Hazarika used music to communicate messages of humanity, equality, social harmony and brotherhood. His songs crossed linguistic and geographical boundaries and reached audiences across India.
Born on September 8, 1926, in Sadiya, Assam, Hazarika became one of India’s most influential cultural personalities. He worked as a singer, composer, lyricist, poet, filmmaker and writer.
His compositions often addressed social inequalities and encouraged people to stand together. Songs such as Manuhe Manuhor Babe continue to represent his humanist philosophy.
Hazarika received the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan during his lifetime. The government posthumously awarded him the Bharat Ratna in 2019, India’s highest civilian honour.
Assam Aims for a National Tribute
The year-long birth centenary celebrations have provided an opportunity to revisit Hazarika’s contribution to Indian culture. The Delhi programme will bring these celebrations to a close on a national platform.
Meanwhile, the Assam government continues to coordinate cultural presentations, official arrangements and committee responsibilities. The organisers also want to ensure that the event reflects the cultural identity of Assam.
As November 29 approaches, the state is stepping up its preparations for the concluding ceremony. The government hopes to deliver a fitting tribute to an artiste whose music connected people across communities and generations.
Ultimately, the celebration will honour more than Hazarika’s musical achievements. It will also reaffirm his enduring message of humanity, harmony and universal brotherhood.