ZUBEEN GARG : A Revolution : Then , Now & Forever

#justiceforzubeengarg #justiceforzubeen

If Zubeen Garg has proven anything, it is that the value of an artist is the value of an entire nation, of a whole generation, of our social practices, of our lives, and of our very existence. So, wake up.

Zubeen Garg’s demise is not only a mysterious tragedy, but also a movement and a revolution towards change. But what justice will the “artist of the common man” (Zubeen Garg) receive now, when he received no justice during his lifetime—compared to the brilliance he had, compared to the possibilities he carried within?

We saw no single massive remarkable concert for Zubeen Garg here in Assam, while multiple concerts were organized for mainstream or globally recognized artists. Was Zubeen Garg not a global figure? Maybe not in their eyes. But was he not at least a figure of our own culture, of our own land? Then why? 

Now, when the common people or the true lovers weep, those in power suddenly recognize his value—or perhaps they still don’t. Every act of grief and tribute feels like hypocrisy. We, the common people, used to think about Zubeen Garg when he was alive. We often spoke of him in our day-to-day conversations. Yet, with our God-gifted awakening minds, we stood helpless.

There is so much to say about all this—the value of artists, the neglect of art. Those of us who practice art have never had facilities, recognition, or scholarships. Many veteran artists and classical artists still live in neglect. The absence of a standard concert for Zubeen Garg is just one of many examples.

f everyone now realizes the importance of being an artist only after Zubeen da’s death—(that too of a cause of negligence) , then how can other artists expect anything? How can we expect any government platform to perform on, when the very platforms we once had—Rabindra Bhawan, State Art Gallery—are now gone? Whether intentional or unplanned, this is complete ignorance of artists’ interests and freedom.

The freedom to express and the fear of being exposed are interlinked. Those in power fear the strongest medium—Art. They fear protest, they fear rebellion. And now, Zubeen Garg has vividly proven that while art is the most powerful weapon of all—we are also unstoppable in seizing our freedom, in seizing that power.

This is the time to act, not to be broken by grief. A legend’s life is extraordinary, and so is their death—paving the way for revolution for generations to come.

Jerina Ara Ahmeda

Founder, O' Hen Art Studio

#justiceforzubeengarg #justiceforzubeen