Popular Assamese singer and cultural icon Zubeen Garg passed away in Singapore on Friday. Zubeen Garg, 52, touched millions of hearts with his immortal singing and Assamese folk music traditions. The news of his passing sent shockwaves throughout Assam. In this tragic time, the Assam government decided to postpone school examinations as a mark of respect. Education Minister Ranoj Pegu directed that all half-yearly examinations scheduled for Saturday be postponed until Zubeen Garg’s funeral. The minister tweeted, “In view of the untimely demise of Sadguru Zubeen Garg, all school inspectors/DEEOs have been instructed to postpone the half-yearly examinations scheduled tomorrow until his funeral.”
Details of the Tragic Incident
Zubeen Garg was in Singapore to perform at the North East India Festival when the tragic incident occurred. He was rescued from the sea by Singapore police and taken to Singapore General Hospital, where he died at approximately 2:40 p.m. local time. Despite all efforts by doctors, he could not be saved. Zubeen Garg’s voice and songs, such as the hit “Ya Ali” and Assamese folk music renditions, have earned him an immortal identity not only in Assam but across the country.
In view of the untimely death of Late Zubeen Garg, all Inspectors of Schools/DEEO are instructed to postpone the half-yearly examination scheduled tomorrow until the cremation of the mortal remains of the legendary artist.
শ্ৰদ্ধেয় শিল্পী জুবিন গাৰ্গৰ অকাল মৃত্যুৰ…
— Ranoj Pegu (@ranojpeguassam) September 19, 2025
Life and Family Background
Zubeen Garg was born Jibon Barthakur. He was a native of Jorhat, Assam, to Mohini M. Barthakur, a renowned lyricist and poet, and the late Ili Barthakur. He began his musical career with tabla lessons and trained under Guru Robin Banerjee. He then continued his education in Assamese folk music under Guru Romni Roy. His passion and dedication to music make him one of Assam’s most popular artists.
Contribution to Education and Music
Zubeen Garg received his early education from J.B. College in Jorhat and later pursued a Bachelor of Science degree from B. Barua College after his family settled in Guwahati. However, he did not complete his degree due to his desire to pursue a career in music. Zubeen Garg played a key role in immortalizing Assamese and Bollywood music, and his voice continues to resonate in the hearts of millions. His passing is an irreparable loss not only to the music world of Assam but to the cultural landscape of the entire country.
