In the wake of the death of iconic Assamese singer-composer Zubeen Garg, Assam has experienced a remarkable increase in publications focused on his life, music, and legacy. A surge of titles—including songs, poetry, and biographies—has flooded the market just three months posthumously, a sign of the long-dormant publishing industry springing back to life. This trend is evident at the ongoing Guwahati book fair, where Zubeen Garg-related books are among the top sellers, attracting significant interest from readers.
On Monday, an important publication titled “Zubeener Gadya” was unveiled, authored by Zubeen Garg himself and featuring both published and unpublished prose works. This collection was inaugurated by his wife, Garima Saikia Garg, and his sister, Pami Barthakur, during the book fair, in the presence of the Secretary of the Assam Publication Board, Pramod Kalita, and long-time friend Pranjit Saikia. Garima expressed concern regarding the release of several books about Zubeen Garg that lacked family consent and factual verification, asserting that “Zubeener Gadya,” published by Assam Publishing Company, upholds authenticity through proper copyright arrangements.
The book represents a creative collaboration, showcasing contributions from individuals outside Assam, including publisher Sanjay Sanyal and illustrations by Kolkata artist Roddur that visually narrate Zubeen’s life journey. It has been edited by Manjit Rajkonwar, a prominent researcher in Assamese music history. This anthology is the first to bring together a diverse array of Zubeen Garg’s prose, providing insight into his childhood, reflections on life phases, song inspirations, and personal feelings towards admired artists.
Garima’s foreword emphasizes that through Zubeen’s own words, readers gain an intimate understanding of his experiences, thoughts, and music. The prose is characterized by simplicity and heartfelt sincerity, conveying the depth of emotion Zubeen expressed in both his ideals and worldview, extending beyond music itself. The collection also encompasses reflective essays and memoirs that explore societal themes and human relationships, presenting Zubeen Garg as a unique prose writer.
“Zubeener Gadya” acts as a bridge connecting the artist’s songs and thoughts and serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving the Assamese language and cultural identity. It stands out as an intimate and authoritative addition to literature surrounding Zubeen Garg, offering readers a rare opportunity to explore his inner life beyond his musical legacy.
