The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) recently removed a well-known mural beneath the Ganeshguri flyover in Guwahati that featured Assamese music icon Zubeen Garg and the phrase “COMRADE NEVER DIE,” triggering widespread public debate and emotional responses across Assam. The artwork, long familiar to commuters and fans, was taken down amid criticism from those who saw it as a symbolic tribute to the singer’s cultural contribution.
Garima Saikia Garg, Zubeen Garg’s wife, responded on Facebook, saying she felt sadness at the development while stressing that the emotional bond between the singer and his supporters could not be erased by removing a painting. She questioned whether the portrait had in any way marred the city’s appearance and noted that public affection and inner conviction persist beyond physical images.
Supporters and residents described the mural as more than street art: for many it had become a landmark and a collective expression of identity tied to one of Assam’s most prominent musical figures. The slogan “COMRADE NEVER DIE” had evolved into a recognizable phrase associated with Zubeen Garg’s artistic legacy and cultural influence.
Reactions on social media were extensive, with numerous posts and comments defending the mural as an expression of popular sentiment and cultural memory. While some criticised the municipal decision, others emphasised that feelings and memories cannot be removed in the same way as paint from a wall.
In her post, Garima said she felt sadness but no anger or resentment, adding that people who value emotional connection would continue to preserve their admiration and attachment beyond visible symbols. The removal has reignited conversations about public art, collective memory and the ways communities honour cultural figures.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/zubeen-gargs-comrade-never-die-mural-removed-in-guwahati-garima-saikia-garg-responds-1410041-2026-06-18?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-06-18 10:11:00
