Union Minister for Development of North-Eastern Region recently presented the Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika National Awards to six distinguished personalities from the Northeast, paying tribute to the legendary musician on his birth centenary.

What is the award?

• The Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika National Award was instituted in 2012 by Sarhad, a Pune-based social and cultural organisation working in India’s border and conflict-affected regions like Assam, Manipur, Punjab, and Kashmir.
• It is conferred annually on individuals from the Northeast who have achieved distinction at the national level in various fields.
• The award carries a cash prize of ₹51,000, a citation, a memento, a shawl, and a gamosa.

This year’s recipients

• Laishram Mema Devi (Manipur) – Classical singer
• L. R. Sailo (Mizoram) – Veteran public relations and media professional
• Yeshe Dorjee Thongchi (Arunachal Pradesh) – Eminent writer and storyteller
• Prof. David R. Syiemlieh (Meghalaya) – Historian and former UPSC chairman
• Dr. Surjya Kanta Hazarika (Assam) – Author and cultural curator
• Rajni Basumatary (Assam) – Actress and filmmaker
  

Prelims Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Award:

1. It was instituted by a social organisation based in Pune.
   
2. It is given annually to achievers exclusively from Assam region.
   
3. The award carries a cash prize of ₹51,000, a citation, a memento, a shawl, and a gamosa.
   

Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only 

(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (c)

One-line wrap:
The Bhupen Hazarika Award celebrates the Northeast’s spirit of creativity and unity, echoing Hazarika’s belief that art can bind hearts across borders.

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