This gesture, shared widely on social media, touched thousands, including Zubeen Garg’s sister, who responded with a heartfelt note.
74 days have passed since the untimely demise of Assam’s music icon Zubeen Garg, yet the emotional void he left behind continues to feel unbearably fresh. For countless admirers, accepting the reality of his absence remains difficult. His songs still play across homes, streets and hearts, keeping the beloved artist alive through the power of his creations.
In a remarkable incident that reflects the deep affection people continue to hold for the late singer, an election officer engaged in the ongoing Special Revision (SR) of electoral rolls refused to remove Zubeen Garg’s name from the voter list. Mohammad Tafiz Uddin, the officer responsible for updating the records, wrote against Zubeen’s name: “May you remain immortal forever,” and “May the soul attain eternal peace,” instead of removing it.
This gesture, shared widely on social media, touched thousands, including Zubeen’s sister Palmee (Pami) Borthakur, who responded with a heartfelt note. “These affections are our courage… We are grateful, Tafizuddin Dada,” she wrote.
The Special Revision of electoral rolls is a routine state-wide exercise carried out ahead of elections, ensuring that the names of deceased individuals are removed. But when BLO Tafijuddin Ahmed visited the home of the late artist, he reportedly felt an emotional hesitation. The thought of marking Zubeen Garg as “deceased” on the voter list sent a shiver through him; this is how deeply the singer lives within the hearts of the people of Assam. Instead of removing his name, he chose to pen a tribute, honouring the everlasting legacy of the artist who shaped generations.
Zubeen Garg had travelled to Singapore to participate in the North East Festival when tragedy struck on 19 September, leaving the state and nation in shock. What exactly happened in the waters of Singapore remains under investigation by the SIT of the CID. Two days later, on 21 September, the artist who had left with a smile returned to Assam in a sealed coffin, leaving behind questions, sorrow and an immortal legacy.
Even in death, Zubeen Garg continues to unite and move people, proving once again that legends never truly leave; they live on.
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