A powerful voice from Assam’s political arena, Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi, has directly appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to award the Bharat Ratna to the late Zubeen Garg in recognition of his monumental contributions to Indian music. The formal letter, dispatched on Friday from Guwahati, comes amid lingering grief over the singer’s shocking demise.
Widely regarded as a cultural titan of Assam and the Northeast, Zubeen Garg’s fusion of folk essence with modern melodies captivated hearts nationwide. Gogoi’s correspondence vividly describes the pervasive mourning that ensued, terming it a ‘profound cultural emptiness’ that’s hard to overcome.
The MP’s advocacy isn’t new. On December 3, 2025, he formally addressed Parliament, pressing for the prestigious award. Promptly on December 4, a letter to EAM S. Jaishankar sought explanations regarding the foreign event where Garg passed away, demanding accountability.
Delving into specifics, Gogoi lauds Garg’s role in globalizing Assamese linguistic and folk traditions through innovative compositions. This not only popularized regional sounds but also solidified Northeast’s cultural footprint in mainstream India. The massive outpouring of emotion post his death—from common folk to elites—underscores the universal call for this supreme honor.
In closing, Gogoi posits that bestowing the Bharat Ratna would be a rightful homage to an artist whose life’s work is now woven into the fabric of India’s collective heritage and memory. This appeal reignites conversations on celebrating regional icons at the highest pedestal.