GUWAHATI: Assam is mourning the loss of Zubeen Garg, the state’s most revered cultural figure, whose music resonated with countless fans over the years. Known affectionately as “Zubeen Da,” Garg’s death has sparked an overwhelming sense of grief across the region, from urban neighborhoods to rural villages. However, this collective sorrow is overshadowed by a rising controversy at Tezpur University, where Vice Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh is facing backlash for comments perceived as dismissive of student emotions following Garg’s passing.
Students have voiced their frustration, claiming they were not allowed to conduct a condolence meeting for Garg on September 21, the day after his death. Instead, the university proceeded with its planned Mahalaya celebrations. This prompted students to organize a protest on campus, demanding an official tribute to the beloved singer.
“On September 21, we staged a protest. But when we attempted to organize another today, the VC warned that students would face suspension,” one student told GPlus. Another student remarked, “We wished to hold a condolence meeting on the 22nd, but they didn’t permit it. During a video call, the VC said, ‘Don’t make things funny.’ Is mourning Zubeen Da humor? The entire state is grieving.”
The Vice Chancellor’s remarks ignited significant outrage within the student community, who view Garg as an essential voice of Assamese identity. “Do 3.5 crore Assamese emotions seem funny to him? Is this acceptable?” questioned another student.
Further, students alleged that a subsequent condolence meeting held on campus felt “forced” and lacked sincere initiative from the university authorities. Requests for an apology from the VC have gone unanswered, exacerbating the students’ frustrations.
This incident compounds the grief and anger rippling through Assam, where the death of Zubeen Garg is mourned as a profound cultural loss.
Original Source: https://www.guwahatiplus.com/assam/students-slam-tezpur-university-vc-over-remarks-on-zubeen-garg
Category: Assam
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Publish Date: 2025-09-22 20:34:00
