EFLU Shillong Hosts National Seminar on Zubeen Garg's Cultural Legacy
The English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU) in Shillong organized a significant two-day national seminar on March 26-27, 2024, focusing on the theme 'Society and Culture in Art and Philosophy of Life: Understanding the Cultural Praxis and Epoch making of Zubeen Garg and the North East India'. This event was sponsored by the ICSSR NERC and brought together academics, artists, and cultural enthusiasts to delve into the profound impact of Zubeen Garg, a celebrated artist from Meghalaya.
Celebrating Zubeen Garg's Life and Work
The seminar served as a vibrant cultural space where participants explored memory, music, identity, and emotion in relation to Zubeen Garg, who was born in Tura in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya. Prof. Mousumi Guha Banerjee, the director of EFLU Shillong, emphasized how Zubeen's music transcended geographical and cultural boundaries, fostering unity among diverse communities. She highlighted his role as a cultural icon whose work resonates deeply across Northeast India and beyond.
Insights from Artists and Scholars
Renowned singer Lou Majaw from Shillong shared heartfelt memories of his friendship with Zubeen, noting that the artist's music had a unique power to unite people globally. Evanisha Pathaw, a prominent singer from Meghalaya, discussed the emotional depth of Zubeen's voice, concluding her speech with a performance of his popular song 'Mayabini', which moved the audience.
Khasi poet and scholar Streamlet Dkhar explored the connective force of music, reciting one of her poems as a tribute to Zubeen's enduring legacy. Additionally, author and filmmaker Parthajit Baruah presented Zubeen as a cinematic text, analyzing how his visual and cultural presence has shaped the representation of Northeast India in media and arts.
Seminar Culmination with Symbolic Gesture
The event concluded with a meaningful gesture: the plantation of a 'Nahor' sapling, Zubeen's favorite tree, near the academic block on the EFLU Shillong campus. This act symbolized the lasting impact of his work and the ongoing commitment to preserving his cultural heritage. The seminar not only celebrated Zubeen Garg's contributions but also sparked discussions on the broader cultural dynamics of Northeast India, emphasizing the region's rich artistic traditions.
