How Zubeen Garg was more than just a singer- A philanthropist, messiah who became God for the state of Assam

Popular Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, known for crooning songs like Ya Ali, Jaane Kya Chahe Mann Bawra, Subah Subah, Maahi Ve and Dilruba among others passed away in an accident in Singapore while scuba diving at the age 52. He was in Singapore for the North East India Festival, where he supposed to perform on 20 and 21 September. Now, the other side of the story says it was during swimming that he breathed his last and the probe continues.

Zubeen Garg: More than just a singer

Ask his fans and admirers that the late singer was a philanthropist, messiah who became God for the state of Assam. During the second wave of the pandemic back in 2021, Zubeen Garg and his wife, offered the state government to convert a two-storey building into a Covid-care faculty. This was in Guwhati and the building could accommodate as 30 patients.

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Utpal Borpujari on Zubeen Garg

Borpujari, who reviewed Zubeen’s debut album Anamika, about 30 years ago, said in a statement, “There are countless stories of how he helped those who needed medical treatment and children at orphanages.”

The singer also spoke about other issues and initiatives like AIDS, brain cancer, and mental health.

Activism and his other charity work

Garg ran a charity, the Kalaguru Artiste Foundation, which donates money for various causes. He urged people to donate clothes, medicines and contributions when devastating floods hit Assam. He took on the issue over corruption in APSC recruitment in his movie Kanchanjangha.

A legendary tribute to an angel

Delhi’s Talkatora Stadium came alive with colours, sounds, and flavours of the Northeast on Saturday as the NESt. Fest 2025, an annual cultural festival, drew crowds from across the city.

The highlight of the final evening of the two-day festival was a performance by Assamese singer Sankuraj Konwar, who dedicated his set to late musician Zubeen Garg, calling it a tribute to the artiste who had inspired a generation of musicians in the Northeast. Garg passed away recently due to drowning while swimming off St. John’s Island in Singapore.

Outside the packed stadium, students and visitors sampled cuisines from the region – Manipuri, Naga and Assamese, among others – while inside, the crowd sang along to Konwar’s hits.