A Shocking Farewell to Zubeen Garg

ASSAM, India – The music world is mourning the untimely demise of Assam's beloved singer, Zubeen Garg, who tragically lost his life following a scuba diving accident in Singapore on September 19.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed the profound loss felt across the northeastern state, highlighting Garg's significant impact.

Drowning in Misfortune

Zubeen Garg was found unconscious after authorities received an emergency call from St John’s Island at around 3:30 PM. Despite being rushed to the hospital and treated in intensive care, doctors were unable to save him. Officials confirmed that no foul play was suspected in this unfortunate incident.

A Cultural Icon with a Heart of Gold

Garg, 52, was in Singapore to perform at the North-East Festival, celebrating the vibrant culture of India’s northeastern region. His death has shaken fans and friends alike, with an outpouring of condolence messages flooding social media.

Known for his powerful voice, Garg rose to national fame with the song 'Ya Ali' from the 2006 film 'Gangster.' His uncle, Manoj Borthakur, mourned, "He was taken by God much ahead of time. His journey was cut short, but his plans to help others were immense."

A Legacy of Music and Activism

Born in Meghalaya in 1972 and raised in Jorhat, Zubeen Garg was named after the acclaimed conductor Zubin Mehta. Over a remarkable three-decade career, he recorded an astonishing 38,000 songs across nearly 40 languages, captivating audiences with his versatility and emotional depth.

His debut album 'Anamika' in 1992 marked a transformative moment in Assam's music scene. Throughout his career, Garg received numerous accolades including the Global Indian Music Award and the Filmfare Award (East), among others.

Beyond his music, Garg was a fervent humanitarian. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he converted his home in Guwahati into a care center, offering shelter and medical support to those in need. He advocated for the rights of tea garden workers and passionately promoted environmental conservation.

The Voice of Assam Silenced

In his statement, Chief Minister Sarma lamented, "Assam lost one of its favorite sons today. Zubeen’s voice energized people; his music resonated with our souls. He leaves a void that will never be filled. Future generations will remember him as a legend of Assam’s culture. It’s a tragic loss beyond words!"

Tributes continue to pour in from across the region, with political leaders hailing him as "the voice of Assam" and fellow musicians recognizing him as a "restless genius" whose artistry transcended boundaries. Fans in towns and villages unite, singing his timeless melodies, forever holding on to the legacy he left behind.