Bhupen Hazarika, 5 others from Northeast in Padma awards list

Six prominent personalities of the northeast, including Assam's cultural icon late Bhupen Hazarika, were on Wednesday chosen for this year's Padma awards.

Hazarika, who died last November, was chosen for the Padma Vibushan award, the country's second highest civilian honour.

Nameirakpam Ibemni Devi, 86, a pioneer of Manipur's Khongjom Parba style of singing; photographer Sunil Janah of Assam; social activist Binny Yanga, who runs the Oju Welfare Association in Arunachal Pradesh; writer-educationist Kedar Gurung of Sikkim and Mizo educationist Ralte L Thanmawia have been selected for the Padma Shri awards.