First Bhupen Hazarika National Award to Usha Mangeshkar: Himanta Biswa Sarma

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that Bhupen Hazarika’s birth centenary celebrations will conclude on November 29 in Delhi with the first-ever "Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika National Award". The award, presented to eminent singer Usha Mangeshkar, recognizes her outstanding contributions to Indian music. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will present the Rs 10 lakh cash prize and citation during the centenary celebrations at Bharat Mandapam.

The award will be conferred every three years to a renowned individual in music, arts, or cinema. The event is expected to draw around 5,000 attendees, showcasing Hazarika’s legacy and influence, which have transcended geographical and cultural boundaries. Sarma also took a jab at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, criticizing the party for constantly relaunching an older individual as a "youth icon" and dismissing his frequent foreign trips as attempts to "cool off" before relaunching.