As zubin garg’s mortal remains were confined to flames, the entire state of Assam was glued to their screens. We as a nation have no memory of an artist receiving such farewell.
His funeral procession yesterday created a spectacle unimaginable in today’s Assam. Lakhs of people, across all caste and religions, age and gender joined in.
In 2011 another of Assam’s great artists, Bhupen hazarika was also cremated on the banks of Brahmaputra and was attended by half a million people, but that was a mark of respect, yesterday was love and grief, the tragic sudden loss of perhaps the most loved one of the state.
The state has seen horrific sectarian violence over the past 4 decades now, which has become state borne over the past decade. Be it the ahom movement of ULFA, Bodo, tribal and now religious the state has been ablaze. Yet yesterday’s procession was symbolic of a collective grief, reflecting a living collective identity.
His participation in the anti CAA protests, philanthropic activities during floods and COVID and over all his disowning of all caste and religious identities, resonated with the masses especially the young.
His music was as versatile and his oeuvre huge. With more than 38000 songs recorded, he has touched more lives than any politician in the state.
As the current regime, looks at exploiting sectarian fault lines for political gain, zubin in his death has united his people, evoked the spirit of a modern Assamese identity bound to future rather than history.
His funeral has shown that hope and aspirations can overcome hate and suspicion. His legacy needs to be celebrated across the nation.
