GUWAHATI, 22 Sep: Renowned folk singer, lyricist and cultural activist Rerik Karlo Digbak was conferred the Jayanta Hazarika Byatikram Inspirational Award 2026 by the Byatikram Group at a programme held in Pragjyoti-ITA, Machkhowa here last Saturday.
The award was presented on the occasion of the 83rd birth anniversary celebration of legendary musician Jayanta Hazarika, in recognition of Digbak's remarkable contribution to the preservation, promotion and propagation of the rich folk and musical heritage of Arunachal Pradesh.
A distinguished lyricist and folk singer, Digbak has dedicated decades to documenting and celebrating the diverse indigenous musical traditions of the state. Since her association as an artiste with All India Radio, Itanagar in 1999, she has recorded numerous folk and modern songs in different languages and dialects.
She has so far recorded 406 songs in languages including Adi, Apatani, Galo, Tagin, Miji, Nyishi, Monpa, Mising, Hindi and Assamese.
Digbak has also received the prestigious Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2020 from the Sangeet Natak Akademi, Government of India, in recognition of her contribution to the field of music. She was also honoured with the State Women Achievers Award 2026.
Apart from her artistic pursuits, Digbak has been actively associated with several cultural and social organisations. She serves as general secretary of the Arunachal Lok Nritya Pratibha and general secretary of the Galo Folk Lore, Folk Dance and Folk Song. She has also served as treasurer-cum-former vice president of Sanskar Bharati, Arunachal Pradesh, and as cultural secretary of the Arunachal Pradesh Women's Welfare Society.
She is an adviser to the Arunachal Artist Forum and serves as president of the women's wing of the Galo Artiste Forum.
The Byatikram Group, while conferring the award, acknowledged Digbak's contribution to musical and cultural heritage and her efforts to inspire younger generations to value, preserve and celebrate thecultural diversity of Northeast India.
The award was presented by Manisha Hazarika, eminent singer and cultural icon, and Dr Saumen Bharatiya, patron-in-chief, Byatikram Group, during the anniversary celebration in Guwahati.
