Silchar: On Wednesday at 3 pm, a memorial meeting was held in the conference hall of Gurucharan University in remembrance of the legendary singer and the heartbeat of Assam, Zubeen Garg. The programme began with floral tributes and the lighting of a lamp before the late artist’s portrait.

The tributes were offered by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Niranjan Roy, Registrar Dr. Bidyut Kanti Pal, Academic Registrar Dr. Abhijit Nath, Dean of Students’ Welfare Dr. Joydeep Pal, along with heads of departments, faculty members, staff, and students.

In his remarks, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Niranjan Roy said that seminars and symposiums should be organized in universities and colleges on the life and ideals of Zubeen Garg. He added that the sudden demise of the artist has deeply saddened the Gurucharan University family.

As a mark of respect, the university has decided not to celebrate the Sharad Festival this year, and all entertainment programmes over the past five days have been cancelled.

Registrar Dr. Bidyut Kanti Pal recalled that Zubeen Garg had spent part of his childhood in Sribhumi, and often referred to himself as “half-Bengali.” He added that Zubeen’s song Mayabini had made him a devoted admirer during his own university days.

Dean of Students’ Welfare Dr. Joydeep Pal observed that Zubeen Garg proved that greatness can be achieved not only through academics but also through artistic talent.

Academic Registrar Dr. Abhijit Nath noted that Zubeen Garg’s life and legacy showed how one could transcend divisions of caste, creed, and religion to win a place in people’s hearts. He was not only an artist but also a humanitarian. Despite his fame, he never hesitated to sing in the Bishnupriya Manipuri language.

Others who spoke about their memories and emotions included Dr. Yogeshwar Barman, President of the Cachar District branch of Asom Sahitya Sabha and Professor of Commerce; Prof. Ashraf Hussain, Coordinator of the Arts and Humanities Department; Dr. Juri Bora, Head of the Anthropology Department; Dr. Sahanara Begum Choudhury, Librarian; and Biswajit Dey, Finance Officer.

A condolence message was read by Registrar Dr. Bidyut Kanti Pal, followed by two minutes of silence observed by all present in honour of the departed artist. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Vice-Chancellor announced that all official work at the university would remain suspended for the day. The programme was conducted by Prof. Dr. Uttam Paluya.