Guwahati, Oct 23: The Assam government will confer the newly instituted Bhupen Hazarika Rashtriya Award on veteran singer Usha Mangeshkar during the closing ceremony of Hazarika's birth centenary celebrations at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on November 29, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Friday.
Addressing a press briefing at Lok Sewa Bhawan following the state Cabinet meeting, Sarma said the award would be open to internationally acclaimed singers, musicians, composers, producers, directors, actors and other individuals who have demonstrated exceptional proficiency in fields in which Hazarika excelled.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will present the award, which will carry a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh and a citation. The award will be conferred once every three years and will recognise individuals who have achieved international acclaim in fields associated with Bhupen Hazarika’s contributions to music and cinema.
The November 29 programme will mark the culmination of the centenary celebrations honouring the life, legacy and artistic contributions of the Bharat Ratna awardee.
According to the Chief Minister, the two-hour event will feature a 45-minute award ceremony, followed by an hour-long musical performance showcasing Hazarika’s life and works. Renowned singers Shreya Ghoshal and Shankar Mahadevan, along with several artistes from Assam, are expected to perform at the event.
Around 1,000 children will also participate in the programme by singing Hazarika’s iconic song manuhe manuhor babe.
The event is expected to draw around 5,000 people, including dignitaries, members of organisations associated with Bhupen Hazarika and representatives of the committee working on the centenary celebrations from Assam.
Sarma said the programme was being organised with support from both government and non-government organisations, with sponsorships expected from non-governmental entities to facilitate the celebrations.