Arunachal Pradesh deputy chief minister Chowna Mein receives Bhupen Hazarika award
The award recognises Mein's efforts in strengthening cultural and emotional connections between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
Arunachal Pradesh deputy chief minister Chowna Mein was presented with the Bhupen Hazarika Samannay Award 2026 in Guwahati on November 5, according to The News Mill.
The award was given by Assam minister Atul Bora during a programme titled ‘Mahamilanor Tirtha’ to mark the 15th death anniversary of the artist.
The Bhupen Hazarika Cultural Trust organised the event in association with the Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra Society.
Mein stated that the award was an honour for the people of Arunachal Pradesh and noted that Hazarika's work in cinema, music, and cultural documentation helped unite the people of both states.
He mentioned that the composition ‘Arunachal Hamara’ had become the official state song of Arunachal Pradesh and reflected Hazarika's affection for the state.
Mein suggested increasing collaboration in areas such as literature, theatre, film, and music, as well as protecting indigenous cultural legacies.