Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Pays Heartfelt Tribute: “Zubeen Will Live Forever”
Assam bids tearful farewell to cultural icon Zubeen Garg as CM Sarma says his legacy will live forever
Guwahati, Sept 24: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma paid an emotional tribute to the late cultural icon Zubeen Garg, describing him as an eternal presence in the hearts of the Assamese people. “Zubeen will live forever,” the Chief Minister wrote in a heartfelt note shared on X, reflecting the collective grief of the state.
Sarma highlighted three defining qualities of the late singer: his music that resonated deeply with Assam’s diversity, his legendary bravado as a fearless rebel, and his unmatched generosity. “Above all, he was one of the kindest souls to walk this planet,” the Chief Minister wrote, underlining why Zubeen was so beloved.
Zubeen Garg, fondly called ‘Goldie’, was cremated with full state honours on Tuesday at Kamarkuchi, near Guwahati. Thousands of fans, friends, and admirers gathered to bid farewell, many in tears as his sister Palme Borthakur performed the last rites. His wife, Garima Saikia, and family members stood by during the emotional ceremony, which included a gun salute.
The Assam government had earlier declared three days of state mourning. Garg’s mortal remains were placed at the Bhogesawar Baruah Sports Complex for public homage before the funeral. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, alongside CM Sarma, paid floral tributes, with Sarma stating: “From now on, he will live in Assam’s soul, mind, and heart.”
Zubeen Garg, 52, passed away in Singapore on Friday following a drowning incident during the Northeast India Festival. His death sent shockwaves across the nation, drawing condolences from political leaders, artists, and fans alike.
Widely celebrated as Assam’s cultural icon, Garg’s career spanned over three decades. He was not only a singer but also a composer, actor, filmmaker, and multi-instrumentalist, proficient in 12 instruments. His vast repertoire included thousands of songs in Assamese, Hindi, Bengali, and other Indian languages, cementing his legacy as one of India’s most versatile and beloved musicians.
