Silchar: People from different languages and faiths came together on Monday to honour the late Zubeen Garg at a condolence meeting organized by the Cachar District Committee of the Barak Banga at Banga Bhawan.

The programme featured prominent cultural and academic figures. On stage with district president Sanjib Deb Laskar were Asom Sahitya Sabha district president Yogesh Barman, Nikhil Bishnupriya Manipuri Mahasabha central secretary Dr. Swapan Sinha, and Marwari community leader Kamal Sarda.

Former district president Taimur Raja Choudhury, Gurucharan University professor Ashraf Hussain, Cachar College professor Hemanta Bora, Excise Department superintendent Santanu Hazarika, Dr. Ramaprasad Biswas, Dr. Santosh Chakraborty, and theatre actor Mahadev Chakraborty also spoke.

Speakers remembered Zubeen as a priceless treasure of the Northeast, highlighting that he was not just an artist but a remarkable human being. His sudden death has left the state in mourning, with admirers across Assam lining up for hours to pay their respects.

Taimur Raja Choudhury noted that tributes to Zubeen would only be meaningful if people followed the ideals he embodied. Sanjib Deb Laskar recalled meeting Zubeen in his youth, when he sang a Bengali song and quickly learned its Assamese version on request.

Hemanta Bora shared how Zubeen immediately agreed to direct music for a play and even attended its performance. Dr. Swapan Sinha recounted Zubeen’s contribution to a Bishnupriya Manipuri film, where he carefully studied the story and songs and offered guidance to the choreographer.

The event began with Vedic chants by Dr. Paritosh Dutta. Musical performances included Nipu Sharma with Bapi Roy, solos by Seema Purkayastha and Meghraj Chakraborty, a flute rendition of Zubeen’s songs by Soumen Paul Choudhury, and a poetry reading by Hasna Ara Shelley. The programme was conducted by cultural secretary Abhijit Dhar.

The gathering celebrated Zubeen Garg’s enduring legacy, uniting people across cultures in grief and remembrance.

Promotional | North East Integration Rally