Guwahati: A trust will be formed in the name of popular Assamese singer and cultural icon Zubeen Garg. The announcement was made by his wife Garima Saikia Garg at a press conference held at their Kahilipara residence in Guwahati on Thursday. The press meet was attended by his sister Palmi Borahthakur, family members and close friends.
Garima Garg said the main aim of the trust is to keep Zubeen Garg’s dreams, work, ideas and values alive for future generations. She said Zubeen Garg lives forever in the hearts of the people of Assam, and his vision for society, culture, nature and youth should continue.
The family also announced that Zubeen Garg’s house at Kharghuli, Guwahati, will be handed over to the trust.
The trust will have three sections.
The first is the Kalaguru Artist Foundation, through which social and cultural work started by Zubeen Garg will continue.
The second is “Abhinaya: Janki Borahthakur Performing Arts Centre”, which was earlier started by Zubeen Garg in the name of his sister. This centre will work to promote art, culture and talent among the younger generation.
The third section will be a research group. This group will protect Zubeen Garg’s creative and intellectual work and will also study his life, achievements and contribution to society in a proper and organised way.
Palmi Borahthakur said the trust will work for people, society, culture, nature and youth, following Zubeen Garg’s ideals. Many of his old friends, along with people from social, cultural, administrative and media fields, will support the trust.
The family also said that the Zubeen Fan Club, which Zubeen Garg often called his “army,” will be part of this effort.
Guwahati Police Commissioner Partha Sarathi Mahanta, a close family friend, said the trust reflects Zubeen Garg’s thoughts and values. He said the large public response after Zubeen Garg’s passing showed that he belonged to all generations, not just one.
The family also spoke about books written on Zubeen Garg. His uncle Manoj Borahthakur said publishing books without proper research is wrong. He pointed out that some recent books contain wrong information.
Palmi Borahthakur appealed to writers and researchers to inform the family before publishing any book on Zubeen Garg in the future, so that mistakes and confusion can be avoided.
