Celebrating the Cultural Legacy of Zubeen Garg
REGIONAL: The English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU), regional campus Shillong, concluded a two-day ICSSR NERC sponsored National Seminar on March 26 and 27. Organised by the Departments of Journalism and Mass Communication and English Language Education, the seminar was titled “Society and Culture in Art and Philosophy of Life: Understanding the Cultural Praxis and Epoch making of Zubeen Garg and the North East India”.
The academic gathering transformed into a shared cultural space where memory, music, identity and emotion converged to celebrate the life, work and legacy of Zubeen Garg. The event commenced with a warm welcome and an inaugural song performed by EFLU students, which immediately set a rich cultural tone. Prof Mousumi Guha Banerjee, Director of EFLU Shillong, delivered the inaugural address, highlighting how Zubeen Garg's music transcends boundaries and brings people together, while reflecting on the profound and dynamic nature of art
and culture in the Northeast.
Following this, Prof N Nagaraju, Vice Chancellor of EFLU, delivered the Presidential address, emphasising the importance of understanding the cultural implications of music in the region and expressing support for similar future academic engagements. The formal commencement was marked by ceremonial lamp lighting and the felicitation of dignitaries.
Seminar Convenor, Dr Alankar Kaushik then presented an overview of the programme, sharing insights into the vision behind the two-day event.
Guest of Honour, Evanisha Pathaw spoke on the enduring emotional impact of Zubeen Garg's voice, concluding her address with a heartfelt rendition of his song “Mayabini”. Chief Guest, Hemchandra Pathak shared personal anecdotes from his nearly four-decade association with the artist, noting that Zubeen Garg has proven that music unites the whole world.
Prof Streamlet Dkhar also discussed the powerful connective force of music and concluded her talk by sharing an upcoming poem as a tribute to Garg's enduring legacy. The inaugural session wrapped up with a Vote of Thanks by Dr Panthukala Srinivas, Coordinator of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication.
A major highlight of the first day was the Keynote Lecture by author and filmmaker, Parthajit Baruah. He encouraged the audience to view Zubeen Garg as a cinematic text, presenting the artist as a powerful visual and cultural presence who shapes the representation of the Northeast. He also expressed the need for an intellectual introspection of the artist.
A subsequent Reflective Session brought together diverse voices to discuss how Garg's songs shape both cultural memory and the artist himself, engaging with his broader philosophy of life.
A Plenary Lecture titled “Zubeen Garg as Political Sign: Politics of Zubeen, Politics Around Zubeen” examined his role as a political and cultural figure whose work enters the realm of social and political discourse. The first day concluded with a musical performances of Garg's songs by EFLU students.
Throughout the two days, participants engaged in rich, interdisciplinary technical sessions conducted both online and offline. Discussions covered a wide array of themes, including the sonic politics of music, digital grief and counter-hegemonic imaginations. Presentations highlighted music as a medium for articulating belonging, environmental consciousness as well as emotional healing. Sessions on the second day explored music as a form of resistance, emotional democracy and a builder of shared emotional spaces.
Special talks focused on the intersection of ecology, nature and identity, as well as the continuing relevance of cultural figures like Bhupen Hazarika, Jayanta Hazarika, Bishnu Rabha and Zubeen Garg. The online sessions also addressed critical issues like caste, gender and agency showing how music and cinema can engage with complex social realities.
In the second half of the second day, the event moved into a deeply moving valedictory session. The session began with Shweta Sarkar presenting a comprehensive reportage of the entire seminar. Palme Borthakur from the Department of Geography at Royal Global University, Assam, delivered a highly emotional speech that moved both herself and the audience.
Prof Jyotirmoy Prodhani from the Department of English at NEHU, Shillong, presented on Zubeen Garg (The Radical Romantic) remembering the artist as a fighter and a profound symbol of resistance. Guest of Honour and legendary artist Lou Majaw took the stage to share cherished memories of his dear friend. The session was then beautifully facilitated by Dr Arzuman Ara from the Department of ELE at EFLU, Shillong, under the theme “Living a Zubeenisque Life: With/out Zubeen.”
In a touching tribute, everyone in attendance read out their personal messages dedicated to the beloved late singer. The Director addressed the crowd once more, expressing that the presence of Zubeen da could still be strongly felt among them. The valedictory session's Vote of Thanks was delivered by Santidora Nongpluh, Assistant Professor in the Department of JMC at EFLU, who expressed deep gratitude to the guests, media, organizing committee and everyone directly or partially involved in the management and success of the event.
The overarching conclusion of the seminar was the deeply emotional and cultural connection that Zubeen Garg shares with his people, emerging not just as a musician, but as a voice of identity and belonging who stands for his land. The themes discussed have opened new possibilities for future research into multimodal expression and regional identity in the digital age.
Bringing the two-day academic and cultural gathering to a poetic and symbolic close, the event ended with the plantation of a Nahor sapling (Zubeen Garg's favorite tree) near the academic block on the campus, ensuring his memory continues to grow and thrive in the region he loved so dearly.