Zubeen Garg: A Godly Figure in Human Form

Zubeen Garg: A Godly Figure in Human Form

PRADAKSHINA SARMAH

Zubeen Garg was never just a singer. He was a phenomenon, a voice that carried the heart of Assam far beyond its borders. His songs made us smile, cry, dream and stand tall. To many of us, he seemed almost divine, yet he remained one of our own, a man whose music touched ordinary lives in extraordinary ways.

One year has passed since Assam lost its beloved Zubeen Garg on 19 September 2025. But how can we measure the absence of someone whose voice is still everywhere? His songs continue to fill our homes, our journeys and our memories. Today, as we remember him on his first death anniversary, we are reminded that some people never truly leave us.

Born in 1972 in Tura, Meghalaya, Zubeen grew up in a family where art was part of everyday life. His father wrote poetry, and his mother sang. Music was already around him, waiting to become his life’s calling. At just 19, he released his debut album, Anamika. It was the beginning of a journey that would make him one of the most loved voices of Assam.

His musical journey knew no boundaries. He recorded thousands of songs in more than 40 languages, reaching people across generations and cultures. Songs such as Mayabini and Pakhi became part of our lives. Then came Ya Ali in 2006, taking his voice to audiences across India. Yet, no matter how far his fame travelled, Zubeen never forgot where he belonged. Through films such as Mission China and Kanchanjhangha, he continued to strengthen Assamese cinema and celebrate the stories of his own people.

(writer with Zubeen Garg, file pic)

What made Zubeen so special was his ability to be many things at once. He could sing folk songs with the warmth of tradition, experiment with rock, move hearts with romantic melodies and bring comfort through devotional music. He was never confined to one style or one identity. His voice belonged to everyone who found a part of themselves in it.

But Zubeen’s life was about more than music. He spoke boldly on social issues and stood up for what he believed in. He encouraged young artists and helped them find their own paths. For many people in Assam, he represented courage, compassion and a deep sense of belonging. His songs became part of our childhood, our celebrations, our struggles and the memories we carry with us.

I feel fortunate to have met him. Standing before Zubeen Garg was an experience I will always treasure. There was something deeply moving about meeting a person whose voice had already been such a big part of our lives. Despite his fame, his humility made the encounter even more special. For me, it was not simply a meeting with a celebrated artist. It was a moment with someone whose music and spirit had touched my heart long before we met.

A year after his passing, the pain of losing him is still real. Yet his music continues to bring people together. His songs remind us of who we are, where we come from and what we share. Across Assam, his voice remains a part of our everyday lives, connecting generations through memories and emotions that words can rarely express.

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On this first death anniversary, we bow our heads in love, respect and gratitude. Zubeen Garg may no longer be physically among us, but the music he gave us will continue to live. He will always remain close to the heart of Assam, a beloved voice whose songs will echo through our lives for generations to come.

19-09-2026

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