For President Pranab Mukherjee (L), Tez Hazarika (M) and Virender Jeet Singh receiving the Bharat Ratna from President Ram Nath Kovind. Image credit: PIB

President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday conferred Bharat Ratna to musical maestro Dr Bhupen Hazarika posthumously.

The award was received by Bhupen Hazarikaโ€˜s son Tej Hazarika on his behalf.

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Apart from Hazarika, former President Pranab Mukherjee and social activist Nanaji Deshmukh (posthumously) were also conferred with Indiaโ€™s highest civilian honour.

While former President Pranab Mukherjee himself received the award, a relative of Nanaji Deshmukh, Virender Jeet Singh received the award for him.

Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal said that conferring the Bharat Ratna on Dr Bhupen Hazarika (posthumously) is a matter of great joy and pride for the people of Assam.

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โ€œThis momentous act of the government of India inspires the Assamese people living in India and abroad,โ€ Sonowal stated in an official release.

โ€œDr Bhupen Hazarika had a multifaceted personality who set a new benchmark in the realm of Indian art and culture,โ€ the CM further said.

โ€œThe bohemian artist worked with humanitarian sensibilities to foster goodwill and amity in society. His songs reflected the voice of the voiceless,โ€ further added Sonowal.

โ€œThis step has fulfilled a long pending demand and aspiration of the people of Assam,โ€ he said.

Sonowal called upon the people of Assam to follow the ideals espoused by Dr Hazarika.

He urged all to put their energies for building a resurgent Assam.

The CM also congratulated and extended his good wishes to Tez Hazarika and other family members of the singing maestro.

Vice President M Venkaikah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal and several union ministers were present at the function.