Guwahati, November 4, 2025: Among the distinguished personalities of the Northeast, the melody queen and voice of Manipur, Laishram Mema, has been honoured with the prestigious Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika National Award for her remarkable contribution to Indian classical music for over five decades, reflecting the true voice of Indian unity in diversity.
Paying tribute to the legendary musician on his birth centenary, the award was handed over to her by Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya Scindia on Monday evening. Laishram Mema has made a remarkable contribution to Indian music, culture, and harmony for over five decades and holds an illustrious presence in the musical life of Manipur and the Northeast, carrying her art from the courtyards of Imphal to musical concerts across India.
This year’s recipients also include veteran public relations and media practitioner L. R. Sailo of Mizoram, eminent writer and storyteller from Arunachal Pradesh Yeshe Dorje Thongchi, distinguished historian and former UPSC Chairman from Meghalaya Prof. David R. Syiemlieh, and author and cultural curator Dr. Surjya Kanta Hazarika along with Rajni Basumatary of Assam.
Union DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said that Dr. Bhupen Hazarika used his music not only to give the human spirit a capability like that of the mighty Brahmaputra to find its course again, but also to tell the story of India as a shared soul. He used the power of art in various ways to heal, to bridge, and to bind.
Sarhad Trustee Anuj Nahar highlighted the organization’s long association with Bhupen Hazarika and announced plans to establish the Late Jamnabai Firodia Northeast India Bhawan in Pune for the education and rehabilitation of girls from violence-affected areas.
The ceremony was presided over by Nagaland University Chancellor Dr. Samudra Gupta Kashyap and attended by NEC Secretary Satinder Bhalla, Samar Hazarika, and several eminent citizens.
