GUWAHATI, Nov 6: Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein was conferred the Bhupen Hazarika Samanway Award 2026 in recognition of his contributions towards strengthening cultural and emotional ties between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
Mein received the award at a commemorative programme titled ‘Mahamilanor Tirtha’, organised by the Bhupen Hazarika Cultural Trust in association with the Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra Society in Guwahati on Thursday to mark the 15th death anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika.
Expressing gratitude to the organisers, Mein described the recognition as an honour for the people of Arunachal Pradesh. He also thanked Assam Minister Atul Bora for presenting the award.
Recalling his personal association with the legendary cultural icon, Mein shared memories of having met Hazarika on three occasions during his younger days.
Paying tribute to the maestro, Mein described him as not only a legendary singer, poet, composer and filmmaker but also a great humanist whose creations continue to spread the message of humanity, brotherhood, peace and harmony.
Highlighting Hazarika's special connection with Arunachal Pradesh, Mein said his contributions through music, cinema and cultural documentation had played a significant role in bringing the people of the two neighbouring states closer.
He particularly recalled the iconic compositions Arunachal Hamara, Siangore Galong, Lohitore Khamti and Tirap Simanta, Rupor Nai Ant, which captured the state's landscapes, communities and cultural traditions. He noted that Arunachal Hamara had since become the official State Song of Arunachal Pradesh.
Mein said the relationship between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh transcended geographical boundaries and was rooted in shared history, cultural exchanges and enduring friendship. He called for further strengthening these ties through cooperation in music, cinema, literature and theatre, besides preserving indigenous cultural heritage.
He also appreciated the Bhupen Hazarika Cultural Trust for its efforts to preserve and promote the life, works and philosophy of the legendary artist, stressing the importance of carrying forward his ideals for future generations.
Mein said Hazarika's voice and music continued to resonate across generations and that his message of love, peace, brotherhood and harmony would remain relevant for people across the Northeast and beyond.
The programme was attended by several eminent personalities, including Padma Bhushan awardee and Akademi Ratna Jatin Goswami; actor, playwright, director and Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee Pranjal Saikia; Padma Shri awardee and former Assam Sahitya Sabha president Surya Kanta Hazarika; and Padma Shri awardee, artist and sculptor Nuruddin Ahmed.
Secretary of Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra Sudarshan Thakur and Director of the Department of Cultural Affairs, Assam, Rahul Chandra Das, were also present, along with other distinguished guests.