BBMF expresses its grief on untimely death of singer Zubeen Garg

Mumbai, Oct 27

The Bongo Bashi Mahasabha Foundation (BBMF) expresses its profound grief at the untimely passing of the legendary singer Zubeen Garg, an artist whose music transcended linguistic, cultural, and regional boundaries.

In a message of condolence addressed to Garima Zubeen Garg, the Foundation conveyed its heartfelt sympathy and deep respect for Zubeen Garg’s unparalleled contribution to Indian music. The Foundation highlighted his enduring emotional bond with Bengal, where he is cherished as one of its own cultural icons. To honour his legacy, BBMF has announced a memorial tribute titled “Ujjibito Zubeen”, to be held at Mahajati Sadan, Kolkata. This special Shraddhanjali programme will celebrate his timeless artistry through music, memories, and reflections from artistes, admirers, and cultural personalities who were inspired by his extraordinary journey. The date of the event will be confirmed once venue arrangements are finalised.

Speaking on behalf of BBMF, Jay Zubeen, Secretary of the Foundation, stated that the event seeks to bring together the people of Bengal and Assam in a spirit of unity and cultural harmony—an ideal long championed by the Foundation. “Through Ujjibito Zubeen, we wish to let Bengal’s soul honour and cherish one of the brightest stars of our times,” he said. BBMF has also extended a cordial invitation to Garima Zubeen Garg to attend the event and allow Bengal to join Assam in expressing collective affection and gratitude toward the late maestro. It is, however, deeply regrettable that much of Tollywood and the Bengali media have remained largely indifferent to Zubeen Garg’s tragic passing, despite his immense contribution to Bengali cinema. While Bollywood personalities paid their respects in Assam, not a single leading Tollywood artist made an appearance, a development that has been widely criticized by the Assamese media as an unfortunate display of neglect.

The Bongo Bashi Mahasabha Foundation has expressed its concern that such apathy weakens the bond between communities that share deep linguistic and cultural ties. Bengalis form a significant segment of Assam’s population, yet continue to face numerous socio-cultural challenges. The Foundation urges the mainstream Bengali society, media, and intellectual circles to stand in solidarity with the Bengali-speaking people of Assam and the North Eastern states. For conscious and culturally rooted Bengalis who take pride in their language, literature, and heritage, the Foundation appeals to join hands with BBMF and strengthen the Bongo Bashi movement, dedicated to uniting Bengalis across India, including in Tripura, Meghalaya, Manipur, Assam, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, and Odisha.

Through constructive cultural engagement and advocacy, BBMF aims to uphold Bengali identity and promote inter-linguistic harmony across regions. The upcoming programme, Ujjibito Zubeen, is an important step toward rebuilding that harmony and countering the apathy of certain elitist sections that have failed to honour this cultural loss.

Dr Shubhro Chakrabartty, Founder, BBMF, Uttarakhand said, “Unity in diversity is our strength; through BBMF, we strive to weave the cultural threads of Bengal across the nation’s fabric, fostering harmony and pride among Bengalis everywhere.”

Adv Nripendra Krishna Roy, National President, BBMF, West Bengal said, “As custodians of Bengali heritage, we must rise together to protect our language, culture, and community rights wherever Bengalis reside in India.” Rajesh Biswas, Director, BBMF, Meghalaya said,

“BBMF stands as a bridge connecting Bengalis across the North East, promoting respect and understanding through cultural solidarity and shared identity.”

Santanu Mukherjee, Convenor, BBMF, Assam said, “Bengalis in Assam deserve recognition and justice; BBMF is committed to amplifying their voices and fostering inclusive harmony in our diverse society.”

EoM.