The Asom Sahitya Sabha has announced an initiative to publish the works of late cultural icon Zubeen Garg in Assamese, English, and Hindi by 2026, with plans to expand to other Indian languages. The move aims to preserve and promote the legacy of the artiste, whose passing has left Assam and the nation in grief.

About the Initiative

• Scope: Compilation and publication of Zubeen Garg’s songs, writings, and compositions.
• Languages: Assamese, English, and Hindi by 2026; later editions in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada.
• Leadership: The project will be carried forward under Tridip Baruah.
• Objective: To safeguard his artistic and humanitarian legacy for future generations across India and beyond.

Cultural and Political Significance

• Zubeen Garg is regarded as a symbol of Assamese identity and cultural harmony.
• The Sabha has written to the Prime Minister, urging conferral of the Bharat Ratna on Zubeen.
• The Assam Government’s support has also been sought for honouring his contributions.

Conclusion

The Asom Sahitya Sabha’s initiative to publish Zubeen Garg’s works reflects the effort to immortalise a cultural legend and mainstream Assamese art and music in India’s national consciousness. Recognising his contributions through Bharat Ratna would further cement his status as a national icon of art, culture, and humanity.

MCQ

Q. With reference to the Asom Sahitya Sabha’s initiative on Zubeen Garg, consider the following statements:

1. The Sabha plans to publish Zubeen Garg’s works in Assamese, English, and Hindi by 2026.
2. The initiative will be led by Dr. Basant Kumar Goswami.
3. The Sabha has appealed for Bharat Ratna to be conferred on Zubeen Garg.
4. Future editions of the publications are planned in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (b) 

The Assam Tribune