The Assam Royal Global University (RGU) in Guwahati observed Zubeen Diwas on Friday to honour the enduring presence, music and legacy of legendary artiste Zubeen Garg.
The programme commenced with a deeply symbolic gesture as Garima Saikia Garg, wife of Zubeen Garg, planted a Nahor sapling on the university campus.
Organised by the Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Centre for Creativity (DBHCC), the programme was graced by Garima Saikia Garg, Dr. A. K. Pansari, Chancellor, RGU, and members of the university community, who came together to celebrate Zubeen Garg’s remarkable artistic journey and his immense contribution to Assamese music and culture.
In his welcome address, Dr. Amarjyoti Choudhury, Professor Emeritus and Chair, Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Centre for Creativity (DBHCC), Royal Global University, said, “Today, we are coming together not to mark an ending, but to honour a presence that continues to inspire us through music, memories and love. He is always with us.”
Dr. Choudhury further stated that the DBHCC proposes to conduct research on four significant aspects of Zubeen Garg’s artistic contribution and personality. These include: a) Profiling of Zubeen Garg’s voice and vocal ability; b) His multilingual adaptability; c) The way he took Assamese folk music to the outside world; and d) His idea that art is all about freedom.
Expressing her gratitude to Royal Global University, Garima Saikia Garg thanked the university for taking several initiatives to study and research the life and creativity of Zubeen Garg, as well as his contribution to Assamese society and humanity. She also recollected Zubeen’s exceptional style of expression and his distinctive personality since the time they first met each other.
Dr. Palme Borthakur, sister of Zubeen Garg, also addressed the audience and spoke about Zubeen’s multifaceted personality, his deep connection with music and people, and the values that shaped his life and creative journey. She expressed her gratitude to Royal Global University for remembering Zubeen and for initiating academic research to document and understand his enduring contribution to music, culture and society.
Their words brought a deeply personal dimension to the occasion, offering glimpses of Zubeen Garg beyond the celebrated musician—as a husband, brother, family member and a human being whose presence touched countless lives.
The occasion also featured cultural performances by RGU students and faculty members in tribute to Zubeen Garg, celebrating his music and artistic contributions and reflecting the deep emotional connection his music continues to evoke across generations.
