HT Correspondent
JORHAT, Sept 25: The Asam Sahitya Sabha has urged that the country’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, be posthumously conferred on legendary singer and musician Zubeen Garg.
Addressing newspersons at Chandra Kanta Handique Bhawan, the Sabha’s central office here on Thursday, Asam Sahitya Sabha president Dr Basanta Kumar Goswami said he has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting that Zubeen be honoured with the award in recognition of his unparalleled contribution to the cultural field and his significant impact on Assam’s social life.
Related Posts:
Referring to the outpouring of love and affection for the musical icon in Assam and across the country following his demise, Dr Goswami said he has also written to the state chief minister, seeking his support for the move to honour the artist who took Assamese music and culture to the global stage.
The Sabha president further announced that all works of Zubeen—his songs and writings—would be published in Assamese, English and Hindi by 2026.
A budget of ₹50 lakh has been earmarked for the project, which will be headed by Tridib Baruah.
After the initial publication, the Sabha plans to translate and release his works in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam as well.
Dr Goswami also appreciated the state government’s efforts in bringing Zubeen’s body to Assam, arranging for people to pay their last respects at Sarusajai, and conducting the funeral with due honour. He expressed hope that the steps taken by the government to investigate the circumstances surrounding the singer’s death would provide clarity and closure.
