Guwahati: Garima Saikia Garg, wife of Assam’s beloved cultural icon Zubeen Garg, on Friday announced the formation of the Zubeen Garg Trust, an initiative aimed at preserving the late artist’s vast body of work and carrying forward his ideals in the fields of music, culture, nature and social service.
Addressing a press conference in Guwahati, Garima Saikia Garg said the trust would comprise family members, friends and well-wishers of the legendary singer. As a significant first step, the family has decided to dedicate their under-construction house at Kharghuli to the trust, which will serve as its permanent base.
“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 that Zubeen had always wanted people to remember his creations rather than merely 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.
Garima informed that the trust would be overseen by Zubeen Garg’s uncle Manoj Barthakur, senior journalist Gautam Sharma, and police officer Partha Sarathi Mahanta. She noted that nearly three and a half months of discussions with family members and close associates had preceded the decision to formally establish the trust.
This was the first time Garima Garg and Zubeen Garg’s sister Pami Barthakur appeared before the media, nearly three months after the artiste’s untimely demise.
According to the family, the trust has been conceptualised to give concrete shape to Zubeen Garg’s unfinished dreams and to continue the initiatives he had envisioned for society, culture, nature and the younger generation.
“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.
The trust will function through three dedicated wings. The Kalaguru Artist Foundation will focus on socio-cultural and community initiatives, while the Abhinaya: Janki Barthakur Performing Arts Centre, established earlier in his sister’s name, will promote theatre and performing arts among the youth. A Research Wing will be set up to scientifically document and study Zubeen Garg’s life, works, intellectual property and cultural contributions.
Garima also expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the Assam government for the steps taken in the investigation into Zubeen Garg’s murder, 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,” adding that Kharghuli had been a place of great hope and dreams for the artist. Manoj Barthakur said the trust would place special emphasis on nurturing new and emerging talent. “Zubeen always wanted fresh voices to be heard. He never believed that everyone should sing like him,” he said.
Close friend Bhaskar said the trust would also focus on public health and welfare, noting that health camps have already been organised in remote areas in Zubeen Garg’s name.
Pami Barthakur appealed for responsible documentation of the artist’s life and work, cautioning writers and researchers against publishing unverified or inaccurate material. “False information can remain forever, which we must avoid,” she said.
The initiative has received support from several of Zubeen Garg’s friends from his student days, members of Assam’s social, cultural, administrative and media circles, as well as the Zubeen Fan Club, fondly referred to by the singer as his “army.”