On Wednesday, Congress Deputy Leader in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, urged the Central government to award the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, to the late Zubeen Garg, a prominent cultural figure. In a passionate address during the Zero Hour of the Lok Sabha, Gogoi expressed the grief and disbelief of Garg’s fans following his mysterious death in Singapore on September 19, just before a scheduled performance for the Ministry of External Affairs and the High Commission of India there.
Gogoi commended Garg for his contributions as a humanitarian and a beacon of hope for the people of Assam during the turbulent 1980s and 1990s, a period plagued by insurgency. He highlighted Garg’s multifaceted persona—listing him as an artist, environmentalist, and avid reader—asserting that Garg instilled moral courage and resilience among the Assamese people.
In his tribute, Gogoi emphasized Garg’s vision for unity, advocating against division based on religion and caste. He poignantly remarked that Zubeen’s legacy would always resonate in their hearts, referring to him as their “Kanchenjunga.” The Congressman called for a thorough inquiry into the circumstances of Garg’s death, expressing concern over reports from the Assam government suggesting foul play, and questioned how such an incident could occur during an event held by the Indian government abroad. Lastly, Gogoi reiterated the call for justice in Garg’s memory, underscoring the collective desire of the Assamese people for recognition of his legacy through the Bharat Ratna award.
