By : Barnali Bose, Editor-ICN World
KOLKATA : In life, he touched the lives of all those he came across. And in death, he traversed geographical boundaries, far and near, to enrich the lives of even those who he had never met. Yes, it is none other than Zubeen Garg, the mere utterance of whose name blurs my vision and touches my soul. His sudden death in foreign waters leaving a trail of unanswered questions is deeply shrouded in mystery and has devastated us beyond measure.
Zubeen is said to have sung 38,000 songs in 40 languages. The lyricist, singer and musician spun lyrics into music with the sheer magic of his voice and his songs will continue to leave us spellbound.
Zubeen believed in the humanity that unites, not in the humanity that divides. His eyes mirrored the silent pathos embedded in his heart. He was deeply troubled by the divide he witnessed in society. Zubeen, as a human was truly humane. He said, “I have no religion, I have no caste…..”
Zubeen‘s fame never distanced him from those who sought his loving presence. The common man on the street was his friend. His endearing simplicity made him easily approachable to whoever needed his help. He cared not only for his fellow beings but also for mute animals. His love for nature is well known as is his scathing remarks on destruction of nature for building concrete.
Although I have not had the good fortune to meet Zubeen,the more I know about him, the more I feel he was someone dear to me too. The childlike innocence reflected in that soulful smile of his, flashes in my mind’s eye every now and then.
That Death is inevitable is undeniably a harsh reality but Death that silenced Zubeen way too soon must be shedding tears of remorse too. His wish that his song Mayabini be played on his death was more than fulfilled when its musical notes echoed over hundreds of miles as people joined their voices in unison in Assam.
Today, at dawn, I heard a whisper. It was Life. Life said to Death, “ Do you think you have won? Even in death, Zubeen’s silence speaks. It speaks volumes through the collective voice of his admirers that demands justice for Zubeen.” Death quietly nodded.
Yes, dear Zubeen, wherever you may now be, your songs will continue to resonate in our hearts until the icy hand of Death freezes our very senses. Even in Death, you abide amidst
us, within us, Zubeen.
