Tony Das n Guwahat
Popular singer from Assam Zubeen Garg, best known for his Ya Ali song, died while scuba diving in Singapore on Friday. The singer sustained injuries during scuba diving and was rushed to a hospital, where he died in the intensive care unit while undergoing treatment. He had gone to Singapore to participate in the three-day North East Festival, which was scheduled to begin on Friday. Garg, 52, is survived by his wife.
“It is with deep sadness that we share the news of Zubeen Garg’s passing. While scuba diving, he experienced breathing difficulties and was immediately given CPR before being rushed to Singapore General Hospital. Despite efforts to save him, he was declared dead in the ICU around 2.30 pm IST,” a statement issued by organisers of the North East Festival said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of Garg. “Shocked by the sudden demise of popular singer Zubeen Garg. He will be remembered for his rich contribution to music,” the PM posted on ‘X’. “His renditions were very popular among people across all walks of life. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti,” he said.
Assam’s popular singer Zubeen Garg dies “Today Assam lost one of its favourite sons. I am at a loss for words to describe what Zubeen meant for the State. He has gone too early; this was not the age to go. Zubeen’s voice had an unmatched ability to energise people and his music spoke directly to our minds and souls.
He has left a void that will never be filled. Our future generations will remember him as a stalwart of Assam’s culture, and his works will inspire many more talented artists in the days and years to come,” said Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Sarma said that beyond Garg’s music, his connection with people and passion for helping them will always be remembered. “I will greatly cherish all my interactions with him. That magical voice has forever gone silent. Tragic beyond words!” he added. Some of Garg’s popular songs are ‘Anamika’ (featured in his debut Assamese album), ‘Monor Nijanot’, ‘Maya’, ‘Asha’ and ‘Majulir Ejoni Suwali’. He had also lent his voice to many Bengali songs, besides singing in other Indian languages. Condolences poured in following his tragic death.
“The passing of Zubeen Garg is a terrible tragedy. His voice defined a generation, and his talent was truly unmatched. He overcame personal tragedies to reshape the landscape of Assamese music. His perseverance and courage have left an enduring mark. He will live on in our hearts and minds forever,” said Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi.
Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said Garg’s death was an irreparable loss for the state, the nation and the world of music. “Zubeen Garg was the heartbeat of a generation and his voice was a powerful symbol of pride for millions. In this moment of overwhelming sorrow, I stand in solidarity with the people of Assam. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and admirers and prayers for the eternal peace of his soul,” he said in a post on X.
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said, “We have lost a magical voice and a versatile personality. His evergreen songs will inspire talented artists for generations to come. I pray for his departed soul.” Assam Congress president and the party’s deputy leader in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, mourned Garg’s death and hailed him as a “pride of every Assamese”.
“Today Assam lost one of its favourite sons. I am at a loss for words to describe what Zubeen meant for the State. He has gone too early; this was not the age to go. Zubeen’s voice had an unmatched ability to energise people and his music spoke directly to our minds and souls.
He has left a void that will never be filled. Our future generations will remember him as a stalwart of Assam’s culture, and his works will inspire many more talented artists in the days and years to come,” said Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Sarma said that beyond Garg’s music, his connection with people and passion for helping them will always be remembered. “I will greatly cherish all my interactions with him. That magical voice has forever gone silent. Tragic beyond words!” he added. Some of Garg’s popular songs are ‘Anamika’ (featured in his debut Assamese album), ‘Monor Nijanot’, ‘Maya’, ‘Asha’ and ‘Majulir Ejoni Suwali’. He had also lent his voice to many Bengali songs, besides singing in other Indian languages. Condolences poured in following his tragic death.
“The passing of Zubeen Garg is a terrible tragedy. His voice defined a generation, and his talent was truly unmatched. He overcame personal tragedies to reshape the landscape of Assamese music. His perseverance and courage have left an enduring mark. He will live on in our hearts and minds forever,” said Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi.
Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said Garg’s death was an irreparable loss for the state, the nation and the world of music. “Zubeen Garg was the heartbeat of a generation and his voice was a powerful symbol of pride for millions. In this moment of overwhelming sorrow, I stand in solidarity with the people of Assam. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and admirers and prayers for the eternal peace of his soul,” he said in a post on X. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said, “We have lost a magical voice and a versatile personality. His evergreen songs will inspire talented artists for generations to come. I pray for his departed soul.” Assam Congress president and the party’s deputy leader in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, mourned Garg’s death and hailed him as a “pride of every Assamese”.
