HT Bureau
DIPHU, Sept 20: Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong joined the rest of Assam in mourning the death of singer and cultural icon Zubeen Garg, who died in a scuba diving accident in Singapore on Friday while attending the North East India Festival.
As news of his passing spread on Friday evening, youths and fans of the singer organised spontaneous candlelight vigils on streets, in homes and in offices.
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Socio-cultural bodies, artists’ forums and literary organisations across the district came together to pay tribute to the artist hailed as the ‘Voice of Assam.’
KAAC Chief Executive Member Tuliram Ronghang, in a condolence message on social media, described Garg as “the singer, heart, soul and voice of generations” and said Assam had lost one of its favourite sons.
He recalled Garg’s contribution to Assamese music, his presence on global stages, and his generosity off stage.
The Karbi Cultural Society (KCS) and Karbi Film Society (KFS) held a condolence meeting at the Clock Tower in KPH Taralangso on Friday evening, while Diphu’s Kala Kendra hosted a tribute programme on Saturday.
Flowers and incense were offered at a life-size portrait of Garg as members of various organisations, artists and cultural activists remembered his legacy.
Kala Kendra president Mukul Chandra Baruah said Garg’s songs had touched people across generations and languages.
Former MLA and cultural activist Chandra Kanta Terang said Garg had taken Assamese culture to the forefront and was idolised by the youth.
Singer-politician Semson Ingti called his death a personal loss, recalling their performances together.
Former KCS president Chondrosing Kro said that after Bishnu Prasad Rabha and Bhupen Hazarika, Garg was regarded as the face of Assamese culture.
Film artist Rajiv Kro, breaking down in grief, pledged to plant two saplings every year on Garg’s birth and death anniversaries to keep his memory alive.
Several organisations, including Karbi Anglong Lekhika Samaro Samiti, Karbi Anglong Zila Mahila Samiti, Tiwa Sanskriti Samaj, Bangla Sangitya Sanskriti Samaj, Abiti Aro Sanskriti Samaj, Diphu Club, District Press Club of Karbi Anglong and others participated in the condolence meetings.
The regional office of Assam Sahitya Sabha at Lorulangso also paid floral tributes, led by its president Deben Kakoti and general secretary Binoy Mahanta.
In the evening, members of the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) took out a candlelight procession from Gandhi Park to Diphu Medical College and Hospital. The march was joined by residents of Diphu along with students’ leaders. AASU has announced a rally on September 21 and a condolence meeting on September 22 in honour of the late singer.
