The new edition is not just a simple reissue but a comprehensive expansion, offering deeper insights into the man who has often been called the "Voice of Assam."
Guwahati: The revised and enlarged version of the book, Zubeen Garg...Ityadi, was officially launched in Guwahati on Sunday.
The event, which celebrated the enduring influence of the beloved singer, composer, and cultural icon Zubeen Garg, took place at the residence of his father in Kahilipara, Guwahati.
This special launch signifies a momentous occasion, arriving ten years after the original collection of Zubeen Garg...Ityadi was first published in 2015 to coincide with the popular artist's birthday.
The new edition is not just a simple reissue but a comprehensive expansion, offering deeper insights into the man who has often been called the "Voice of Assam." The editor, Zonak Yugantar Bora, championed this enriched version, driven by the belief that Zubeen Garg's life should remain a continuous source of inspiration and discussion.
The launch ceremony was a familial and deeply respected occasion, with the book being unveiled by the artist’s father, Mohini Mohan Barthakur, also known by his literary name, Kapil Thakur.
The book is a monumental tribute, containing stories of many notable people and events that marked significant times in Zubeen Garg's life. Crucially, it features special articles by 100 individuals—a massive collaborative effort to capture the breadth of his artistry, his socialist and humanist philosophy, and his deep connection with the common people.
Adding to its unique appeal, the extended collection also includes an exclusive interview with Zubeen Garg himself.
The publication was officially presented by editor Zonak Yugantar Bora and publisher Gokul Kalita of BR Book Stall, Panbazar, Guwahati. The significance of the launch drew numerous distinguished figures from Assam’s cultural and media fraternity, underscoring the universal respect for the artist.
The list of notable attendees was long and varied, showcasing the diverse circles Zubeen Garg influenced: musician Bhadra Kanta Das, music director Alap Dudul Saikia, Zubeen Garg's classmate and film director Jayanta Bordoloi, cultural journalists Anupam Hazarika, Shibanu Bora, and Hemanta Sharma, fashion photographer Bikram Barpatra, and journalist Nipom Chutia.
Other important dignitaries like Chanakya Baruah and Ankuman Bordoloi were also present, collectively affirming the book’s importance as a cultural document.
This revised and enlarged version of Zubeen Garg...Ityadi is a vital piece of work that aims to preserve and perpetuate the legacy of a man whose music reflected profound themes of love, freedom, nostalgia, resistance against injustice, and a deep-seated commitment to secular humanism. It ensures that the philosophy and contributions of the artist will be accessible to current and future generations.
The book is now available for the public and can be purchased from all bookstores, various book fairs, and online platforms throughout Assam.
