Assam’s Tezpur University on Tuesday announced it will erect a statue of cultural icon Zubeen Garg on the campus and also mulled conferring an honorary doctorate (posthumously) on him, the institution said in a statement.
The varsity will also institute a scholarship in his name, with the announcements coming following resentment among students, who alleged that the university authorities had failed to show due respect to Garg after his death, reports Deccan Herald.
The university had witnessed a heated exchange of words between Vice Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh and students on Monday evening, leading to a situation where the VC had to nearly flee from the spot to escape the pupils’ ire.
The students had submitted a list of demands on Sunday, including a week-long ‘shradhanjali’ (homage) to Garg and an apology to the people of the state for “late response” in offering condolences over Garg’s death.
“The university hereby informs that it accepts all the points mentioned in the letter for further needful administrative action,” the statement said, referring to the list of demands from the students.
It said that in honour of the cultural icon, the university is proposing to build a statue of Garg at a designated site on the campus.
“The university is mulling to confer upon him an honorary doctorate (posthumous) in recognition of his contribution to Assamese culture and music. The university shall institute a scholarship in his name within Department of Cultural Studies to support and nurture young talent in the field of art, culture, and music,” the statement said.
It stressed that in no way is the university or the VC supportive of any work that is detrimental to the interests of the state or the varsity students.
On another demand, the statement said the nomenclature of the students’ representative body, Tezpur University Students’ Council, is a statutory provision under the Tezpur University Act, 1993. In order to consider a change in nomenclature to Tezpur University Students’ Union, the institute will initiate the due process for amendment of the Act in Parliament.
Garg (52), who died while swimming in the sea in Singapore last week, was cremated with full state honours on Tuesday at Kamarkuchi, on the outskirts of Guwahati.
Candle march held in memory of Zubeen Garg
DIMAPUR, SEP 22(NPN): Lahorijan came together on Monday evening to pay tribute to the late Zubeen Garg, fondly known as Zubeen Da, whose untimely demise has left a deep void in the world of music and culture.
A Shradhanjali Sabha was organised at the I.B. Rest House, Lahorijan, followed by a Candle March up to Nagaland Gate. The gathering saw heartfelt participation as people honoured the legendary singer’s unparalleled contribution to Indian music and his enduring legacy in Assam.
The event was organised by the Yuva Sanstha Club, with support from the Lahorijan Bazaar Association and the Nagrik Committee, Khatkhati PS. Members of the community, well-wishers, and admirers joined in large numbers to pay their last respects.
“We came together to celebrate his life and legacy,” said Bishnu Giri, General Secretary of Yuva Sanstha Club. (Staff Reporter)
Meghalaya condoles Zubeen Garg’s death
Shillong, Sep 23: Meghalaya Cabinet Minister Sanbor Shullai on Tuesday met Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and paid tributes to legendary singer and composer Zubeen Garg on behalf of the State government.
“Meghalaya joins Assam and the entire region in mourning this irreparable loss,” Shullai said in his condolence message.
“His (Zubeen) immense talent, passion and dedication to music have left an indelible mark on the country’s rich cultural heritage. Through his music, he built bridges across our states and brought the spirit of the North East to the national and global audiences,” Shullai said.
Extending his heartfelt condolences to Zubeen’s family, friends, colleagues, and innumerable admirers on behalf of Meghalaya government and the people of the state of Meghalaya, Shullai said, “His music has inspired many musicians and artists from the state of Meghalaya, who all mourn his loss.” (Correspondent)