Shillong, March 25: The English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU), Regional Campus Shillong, will host a two-day national seminar on March 26 and 27 examining the cultural, social and philosophical contributions of late Assamese singer Zubeen Garg.
Titled “Society and Culture in Art and Philosophy of Life: Understanding the Cultural Praxis and Epoch-making of Zubeen Garg and the North-East India”, the seminar is being organised jointly by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication and the Department of English Language Education of EFLU, and supported by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR-NERC). It aims to critically assess Garg’s influence on contemporary Assamese identity, cultural expression and social discourse in Northeast India.
According to organisers, the seminar is among the first of its kind dedicated to the artist, which will explore a wide range of themes including the sonic politics of his music, environmental concerns reflected in his work, and his role in shaping collective memory and social harmony. Scholars will also engage with concepts such as “Zubeenism” as a political philosophy and examine eco-poetic elements in his songs in comparison with those of Bhupen Hazarika.
The inaugural session will be addressed by EFLU Vice Chancellor N. Nagaraju, along with Prof. Mousumi Guha Banerjee, Director of the Shillong campus. Columnist Hemchandra Pathak will attend as Chief Guest, while social worker Evanisha Pathaw will be the Guest of Honour. The keynote address will be delivered by author and filmmaker Parthajit Baruah, who will discuss Garg’s persona through the lens of cinema, performance and regional aesthetics.
A panel discussion moderated by Prof. Manash Pratim Goswami will bring together writers, artists and academics, including Sabita Sharma, Jayanta Bordoloi, Pallavi Devi and Avinibesh Sharma, to reflect on Garg’s multifaceted career. The programme will also feature an online lecture by Prof. Dolly Kikon and a plenary address by Bonojit Hussain.
Over the two days, researchers and students from across the country will present papers in multiple technical sessions focusing on intersections of popular music, identity and political expression. The academic proceedings will be complemented by cultural performances, including musical tributes by EFLU students.
The valedictory session will include a special remembrance by noted musician Lou Majaw, alongside talks by Dr. Palme Borthakur and Prof. Jyotirmoy Prodhani, who will examine evolving notions of Assamese identity and Garg’s portrayal as a “radical romantic”. Co-convenor Dr. Arzuman Ara and ICSSR-NERC Honorary Director Prof. B. Panda will also address the gathering.
The event will conclude with the symbolic planting of a Nahor sapling on the campus.
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