Guwahati, Nov 18, 2025 : The Assam Royal Global University (RGU) on Tuesday marked the birth anniversary of Assamese music icon Zubeen Garg by launching a commemorative book, a scholarship and a memoriam in his honour at its Guwahati campus.
The programme was organised under the aegis of the Dr Bhupen Hazarika Centre for Creativity.
The event featured the release of the book “Zubeen: Twenty Songs and Seven Portraits”, a new scholarship in the artist’s name and a memoriam titled “Zubeen: the Road, the Music, the Life Perspectives”, aimed at documenting and celebrating his contributions to music and culture.
Chancellor Dr. A.K. Pansari, vice chancellor Prof AK Buragohain, chair of the Dr Bhupen Hazarika Centre for Creativity Prof. Amarjyoti Choudhury, executive editor of The Assam Tribune Shri Ramanuj Dutta Choudhury and Zubeen Garg’s sister Dr. Palme Borthakur were among those who attended the programme, along with faculty members, staff and students.
The formal segment was followed by a Sattriya performance by dancer Prerona Bhuyan and a medley of the singer’s popular songs presented by RGU students.
Edited by Sattyakee D’com Bhuyan, the book “Zubeen: Twenty Songs and Seven Portraits” comprises translations of twenty well-known songs of Zubeen Garg by Arkupal Ra Acharya, a visual gallery of photographs by Stephen Styris, and seven essays by Prof Amarjyoti Choudhury, Mitra Phukan, Dr Rakhee Kalita Moral, Dr Palme Borthakur, Ramanuj Dutta Choudhury, Banasmita Das and Rahul Karmakar.
The cover has been designed by Muku Madhav Baishya.
The memoriam “Zubeen: the Road, the Music, the Life Perspectives” carries nine articles contributed by RGU faculty members and is edited by Dr Pronami Bhattacharyya.
Together, the publications seek to document different facets of the singer’s artistic journey, public life and influence on contemporary Assamese culture.
In his welcome address, Prof. Amarjyoti Choudhury underlined Zubeen Garg’s role in shaping modern Assamese music and culture, noting that the new initiatives launched by RGU are intended to preserve and celebrate his artistic legacy and connection with his homeland.
Addressing the gathering, Chancellor Dr. A.K. Pansari described the late singer as an artist who resonated with audiences across generations and said RGU would continue to honour his memory through creative programmes, with the scholarship and literary works expected to encourage students to pursue excellence in the arts.
Shri Ramanuj Dutta Choudhury highlighted the broader cultural significance of Zubeen Garg’s work, observing that his artistic journey reflected the aspirations of many in Assam, and commended RGU for its efforts to preserve cultural heritage and support young talent.
Sharing personal recollections, Dr. Palme Borthakur spoke about her brother’s energy, compassion and commitment to society, as the university community remembered the artist’s enduring impact on music and public life in the region.
