Cultural icon Zubeen Garg passed away following a tragic scuba diving accident in Singapore
Guwahati: In what has come as a shocker for the entire Assam, celebrated Assamese singer and cultural icon Zubeen Garg passed away at the age of 52 in Singapore following a scuba diving accident. He was rescued from the sea by Singapore police and taken to a hospital, where he was undergoing intensive treatment.
The team members of the late singer who were in Singapore said, "He was rushed to Singapore General Hospital, but had already lost his life before reaching there. Crew members attempted CPR at the scene, but their efforts failed. At 5:14 PM Singapore time, doctors at the hospital declared him dead. His body will now be sent for an autopsy."
Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma who announced the demise of the singer, said, "Today, Assam lost one of its favourite sons. I am at a loss of words to describe what Zubeen meant for Assam. He has gone too early, this was not the right 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.”
He added, "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. Beyond his 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! I grieve with my fellow citizens on the passing away of Zubeen."
He also informed that If not today, the body will be brought back to Assam by tomorrow.
Mr Garg had travelled to Singapore to participate in the North East Festival, where he was scheduled to perform on Wednesday. News of his passing has come as a massive shock to his fans and well-wishers across Assam and the Northeast, many of whom had been praying for his recovery since reports of the accident first emerged.
Tributes and condolences have been pouring in from across Assam, the Northeast, and beyond as people mourn the loss of one of the region’s most loved artists.
Former Rajya Sabha MP, Ripu Bora paid his last respects to the singer on social media. He wrote, "Deeply shocked and saddened by the untimely demise of our cultural icon Zubeen Garg. His voice, music, and indomitable spirit inspired generations across Assam and beyond. My heartfelt condolences to his family, fans, and loved ones. Rest in peace, Legend (sic)."
Cabinet Minister of Assam for Health and Family Welfare and Irrigation Ashok Singhal expressed his grief over Mr Zubeen Garg's death. He said, “Deeply saddened by the untimely demise of our beloved Zubeen Garg. Assam has lost not just a voice, but a heartbeat. Zubeen da was more than a singer, he was the pride of Assam and the nation, whose songs carried our culture, our emotions, and our spirit to every corner of the world."
He further said, "In his music, generations found joy, solace, and identity. His passing leaves behind a void that can never be filled. Assam has lost its dearest son, and India has lost one of its finest cultural icons. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and countless fans. May his soul find eternal peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire forever. Om Shanti."
