Garima Saikia Garg, wife of late Assamese singer and cultural icon Zubeen Garg, on January 2, addressed the media for the first time since his death and announced the formation of the Zubeen Garg Trust.
Addressing a press conference in Guwahati, Garima Saikia Garg said the trust has been set up to preserve Zubeen Garg’s work and to continue his engagement in cultural, artistic and social initiatives. She said the decision followed nearly three and a half months of discussions with family members and close associates.
As its first step, the family has decided to dedicate Zubeen Garg’s residence at Kharghuli to the trust. The property will be used as the operational base of the trust and will host its various social and cultural activities.
“With Zubeen no longer with us, everything seems to have come to a standstill. Yet, even in these difficult times, we want to move forward,” Garima said. “May the New Year bring peace and goodness to everyone, and may all work related to Zubeen be carried out smoothly and honestly.”
She said Zubeen Garg had always wanted people to remember his creations rather than only mourn his absence. “He faced life’s storms with courage and stood firm even in the darkest times through his work and creativity. His ideals and values must be kept alive,” she added.
The trust will function through three wings. The Kalaguru Foundation, formed earlier by Zubeen Garg, will carry out socio-cultural and community initiatives. The Abhinaya Performing Arts Centre, dedicated by Zubeen Garg to his late sister, will focus on theatre and performing arts. A Research Wing will also be established to document and study Zubeen Garg’s life, works, intellectual property and cultural contributions.
Garima said the trust will be managed by a board comprising Zubeen Garg’s uncle Manoj Borthakur, Police Commissioner Partha Sarathi Mahanta, Gautam Sarma, Garima Saikia Garg and Palmee Borthakur, along with several close associates, well-wishers and family members.
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This was the first time Garima Saikia Garg and Zubeen Garg’s sister Palmee Borthakur appeared before the media since the artist’s death nearly three months ago.
According to the family, the trust has been conceptualised to give shape to Zubeen Garg’s unfinished aspirations and to continue the initiatives he had envisioned for society, culture, nature and younger generations.
“Zubeen Garg remains an eternal presence in the hearts and souls of the people of Assam. Along with this living presence, it is our responsibility to preserve his dreams, dedication, creativity and beliefs for generations to come,” Garima said.
She also expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the Assam government for the steps taken in the investigation into Zubeen Garg’s death, while urging that the probe be fast-tracked to ensure timely justice.
Speaking at the event, Partha Sarathi Mahanta described Zubeen Garg as “the voice of Assam’s emotions” and said Kharghuli had been a place closely associated with the artist’s hopes and plans. Manoj Borthakur said the trust would focus on supporting new and emerging talent. “Zubeen always wanted fresh voices to be heard. He never believed that everyone should sing like him,” he said.
A close associate said the trust would also work in the area of public health and welfare, adding that health camps have already been organised in remote areas in Zubeen Garg’s name.
Palmee Borthakur appealed for responsible documentation of the artist’s life and work, cautioning against the publication of unverified or inaccurate material. “False information can remain forever, which we must avoid,” she said.
The initiative has received support from Zubeen Garg’s friends from his student days, members of Assam’s social, cultural, administrative and media circles, as well as members of the Zubeen Fan Club.
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