Usha Mangeshkar has been selected as the first recipient of the Dr. Bhupen Hazarika National Award, approved by the Assam Cabinet on 23 October 2026. The award recognises contributions to music, arts and cinema and will carry a cash prize of ₹10 lakh along with a citation. According to the announcement, the award is scheduled to be presented on 29 November 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, during the closing ceremony of the birth centenary celebrations of legendary Assamese artist Bhupen Hazarika.

The selection recognises Usha Mangeshkar’s contribution to Indian music. It also connects the legacy of Bhupen Hazarika with artists who have made lasting contributions to the country’s cultural life.

What Is the Dr. Bhupen Hazarika National Award?

The Dr. Bhupen Hazarika National Award is a new honour approved by the Assam government to recognise outstanding contributions in fields connected with music, arts and cinema. It is planned to be presented once every three years.

The award covers several areas, including singing, music composition, lyric writing, film direction and acting. It may also recognise other creative fields linked to the work and legacy of Bhupen Hazarika.

The first award has been announced for Usha Mangeshkar, an Indian playback singer known for singing in several Indian languages. The honour highlights the role of artists in preserving musical traditions while reaching audiences across different regions.

The award is scheduled to be presented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 29 November 2026, as part of the closing ceremony of Bhupen Hazarika’s birth centenary celebrations.

Who Is Usha Mangeshkar?

Usha Mangeshkar is an Indian playback singer who has contributed to Hindi and several regional-language film industries. Her musical career includes songs across different styles, making her a recognised name in Indian playback singing.

Playback singers record songs that are later used in films, where actors perform on screen to the recorded voices. This form of singing has played a major role in Indian cinema and has helped songs reach audiences across generations.

By selecting Usha Mangeshkar as the first recipient, the Assam government has linked the new award with a singer whose work forms part of India’s wider musical heritage.

Bhupen Hazarika’s Birth Centenary

Bhupen Hazarika was born on 8 September 1926 in Sadiya, in present-day Assam. He was a singer, composer, lyricist, filmmaker and cultural figure whose work reached audiences in Assam and beyond.

His songs often explored themes such as humanity, social justice, unity and the lives of ordinary people. He helped bring Assamese music and cultural ideas to a wider audience through his work in regional and Indian cinema.

Hazarika received the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, posthumously in 2019. The year 2026 marks 100 years since his birth, providing an opportunity to celebrate his contribution to Indian music and culture.

The new national award is one way to recognise artists whose work reflects the creative values associated with his legacy.

Assam Cabinet Approves Changes to Other Awards

Alongside the new Bhupen Hazarika award, the Assam Cabinet approved changes to the Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev International Award. Its prize money has been increased from ₹10 lakh to ₹15 lakh.

The Cabinet also approved the recipients of the 2025 Assam state civilian awards. These honours recognise people and organisations for their contributions in different fields.

Dr. Harsha Bhattacharjee was selected for Asom Vaibhab. Dr. Kushal Konwar Sarma, Nuruddin Ahmed, Pulak Banerjee and Purnima Devi Barman were selected for Asom Saurabh.

Ten individuals, the non-governmental organisation Kolong Kopili and Padum Pothar Agro Organic Producer Company were selected for Asom Gaurav.

These awards recognise achievements across public service, culture, social work and other areas that contribute to the state’s development.

Welspun Group Investment Approved in Assam

The Cabinet also approved a ₹300 crore investment proposal from Weetek Plastic Private Limited, a company associated with the Welspun Group. The proposed manufacturing unit will be established in Rangia in Kamrup district.

The project is expected to create around 300 jobs. If implemented as planned, the investment could support local employment and strengthen industrial activity in the region.

Manufacturing projects can contribute to economic growth by creating direct jobs and generating demand for transport, services and other supporting businesses. The final impact will depend on the project’s development and operations.

Autonomous Council Elections Planned for November

The Assam Cabinet also approved election rules for the Mising Autonomous Council and the Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council, clearing the way for elections scheduled for November 2026.

Autonomous councils play a role in local administration and the protection of the interests of specific tribal communities in Assam. Their elections allow eligible voters to choose representatives who take part in decisions affecting their areas.

The approval of election rules is an important administrative step before the electoral process can move forward.

The award announcement, changes to state honours, proposed industrial investment and preparations for autonomous council elections reflect several areas of the Assam government’s recent decisions, spanning cultural recognition, employment and local governance.