Tezpur University Holds Silent March and Tributes for Zubeen Garg

Guwahati: Tezpur University students, faculty, and staff marched in silence across campus on September 19. They sought justice for the late Assamese musician Zubeen Garg. The event was part of a two-day observance held September 18 and 19 by the Tezpur University Charcha Mancha.

Events kicked off September 18 in the Council Hall with a panel discussion titled "The Crisis in Higher Education, Student Movement and Tezpur University." Prof Amarendra Kr Das, the Pro Vice-Chancellor, opened the session. Speakers included journalist Munin Bayan, writer Kishor Kumar Kalita, and Dr. Kangkan Deka from Darrang College. The panel explored the state of Indian higher education and recent student activism. Researcher Uddipan Hazarika anchored the talk.

The gathering honored both Zubeen Garg and Jyotishmaan Baruah, an Integrated M.Sc. Chemistry student who recently passed away. Attendees held a moment of silence for both men. Later, residents performed Negara Naam and Dihanam at a memorial site where a portrait of Garg was installed. The day ended with a cultural show and a screening of the Garg-directed film Kanchanjangha.

The second day focused on community action. Participants planted trees and cleaned the campus. Workers started preliminary steps to build a statue of the musician near the Central Library. A mural appeared at the Pobitora Madam Curie Women's Hostel and Community Hall. The event ended with a candle-lighting ceremony, a silent march, and the screening of a documentary about the student movement. The final film shown was the artist's last work, Roi Roi Binale.