Zubeen Garg’s Death Sparks Unprecedented Grief and Unity in Assam

Guwahati, Assam, India – Zubeen Garg, a beloved musician known for his unifying presence in the culturally diverse state of Assam, drowned on September 19 near Lazarus Island in Singapore, where he was set to perform at the Northeast India Festival. The shocking news of his passing generated widespread grief, with thousands of fans gathering to mourn their icon.

Garg, 52, held a cult-like status among fans and had been a source of solace for many during tumultuous times in the region. Imam Hussain, a truck driver from Barpeta, described Garg’s music as a peaceful refuge amidst rising Hindu-Muslim tensions in Assam. “His music was my inner peace,” Hussain shared.

Garg’s death was felt across the political spectrum, prompting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to express condolences, stating, “He will be remembered for his rich contribution to music.” Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also praised Garg, saying, “Zubeen’s voice had an unmatched ability to energize people.”

In response to Garg’s death, the Assam government declared four days of mourning. When his body was brought back to Guwahati, crowds surged at the airport, singing his songs and carrying posters, while following the convoy that transported his body to a stadium for public viewing.

This large gathering marked a significant moment of unity, contrasting with the ongoing divisions among Assamese-speaking and Bengali-speaking communities. The communities have long faced tensions rooted in historical migration patterns and political struggles, making Garg’s ability to bridge these gaps even more poignant.

Garg’s career was marked by over 38,000 songs in various languages, including Bollywood hits, and he was awarded the national prize for his contributions to music. He was known not only for his art but also for being a vocal critic of social issues, including India’s caste system and discrimination against marginalized communities.

His refusal to conform to entrenched cultural norms made him a unique figure in Assamese society. Political scientist Akhil Ranjan Dutta noted that Garg’s ability to critique authorities without entirely alienating them allowed for his legacy to be embraced by politicians, despite his dissenting views.

With clips from his songs circulating widely on social media, fans remember Garg for both his musical genius and his dedication to social harmony. The singer’s legacy continues to inspire conversations about unity and identity in a region marked by fracture.

As Hussain reflected on Garg’s impact, he quoted one of Garg’s songs that illustrates the possibility of love and connection amidst societal divisions, hinting that for many, Garg’s vision of an inclusive Assam was not merely an illusion.