Guwahati, November 4, 2025 –
In a landmark event celebrating culture and unity, the Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika National Awards today honoured six distinguished achievers from India’s Northeast. The awards ceremony was presided over by Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Minister for Development of North-Eastern Region, in a move that reflects the region’s growing prominence in national cultural discourse.
Among the six, acclaimed Manipuri classical singer Laishram Mema Devi stood out, representing Manipur’s rich musical heritage. The awards mark the centenary of the legendary musician-poet Bhupen Hazarika and reinforce the message that art, tradition and culture can foster unity across diverse communities.
Recognising the Spirit of the Bhupen Hazarika National Awards
The Bhupen Hazarika National Awards were instituted by the organisation Sarhad Pune to honour individuals from the Northeast who have made remarkable contributions in music, literature, cinema, heritage and culture.
Speaking at the ceremony, Scindia elaborated: “Dr Bhupen Hazarika used his music not only to give the human spirit a capability like that of the mighty Brahmaputra to find its course again, but also to tell the story of India as a shared soul.”
He emphasised that the awards aren’t just individual honours—they symbolise “an era of empathy, unity and cultural synthesis” that Hazarika’s life represented.
Six Distinguished Awardees from the Northeast
The six recipients of the Bhupen Hazarika National Awards this year include:
- Laishram Mema Devi (Manipur) – classical singer.
- Yeshe Dorjee Thongchi (Arunachal Pradesh) – writer and storyteller.
- Rajni Basumatary (Assam) – actress and filmmaker championing tribal narratives.
- L. R. Sailo (Mizoram) – veteran public relations and media practitioner.
- Dr. Surjya Kanta Hazarika (Assam) – author & cultural curator.
- Prof. David R. Syiemlieh (Meghalaya) – historian and heritage scholar.
The award package includes a citation, a memento, a shawl from Maharashtra, a gamosa, and a cash prize of ₹51,000.
Why the Bhupen Hazarika National Awards Matter for the Northeast
By shining the spotlight on culture-bearers from the region, the awards underscore the Northeast’s contribution to India’s cultural mosaic. Scindia said the ceremony welcomed the region’s voice into the national conversation, reinforcing that art can “bind, heal and bridge”.
Further, the event took place as part of Hazarika’s centenary celebrations—honouring a figure whose songs transcended regional boundaries and spoke to universality.
For the awardees themselves, the honour elevates their regional work into the national spotlight, offering new platforms and recognition. For example, Laishram Mema Devi’s recognition carries a message for younger artists in Manipur.
Minister Scindia’s Message to Youth and Culture Advocates
During his address, Scindia also urged women and youth to become architects of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India). He linked the cultural event to broader themes of national development and inclusivity.
He praised Sarhad Pune’s decades-long work in education, national integration, and cultural preservation—particularly in conflict-affected regions of the Northeast.
What Comes Next: Leveraging Culture for Growth
The Bhupen Hazarika National Awards serve as more than a ceremonial recognition—they are a springboard. Organisers such as Sarhad Pune have announced plans to set up a Bhupen Hazarika Music Studio and a new Northeast India Bhawan in Pune for students from the region.
These initiatives could translate into more infrastructure, scholarships and broader exposure for emerging talent from the Northeast.
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