The prestigious award, instituted by the Union ministry of culture, is given to individuals and institutions for their outstanding contribution towards social, economic and political transformation through non-violence and other Gandhian methods.
An official release said here that Mathur recommended Hazarika for the award as he is not only a great poet, lyricist, singer, author and an educationist but also held many important positions in the state as well as at the national level.
The awardee is selected every year by a jury under the chairmanship of the prime minister.
Earlier recipients include Nelson Mandela, Baba Amte, Ramakrishna Mission and Grameen Bank of Bangladesh.
(Published 22 May 2009, 06:35 IST)
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