In nature’s embrace, Assam marks Zubeen Garg’s 53rd birthday at Dighalipukhuri

Guwahati, Nov 18: Members of the Assam Nagarik Sanmilan gathered on the banks of Dighalipukhuri on Tuesday to celebrate the 53rd birth anniversary of late cultural icon Zubeen Garg through a community tree plantation drive.

The event brought together environmentally concerned residents who wished to honour Garg’s deep love for nature and his lifelong message of harmony between people and the environment.

The plantation programme witnessed participants planting saplings around the historic pond as a mark of respect to the artiste, whose songs often echoed themes of nature, belonging and environmental consciousness.

Speaking at the event, noted intellectual Hiren Gohain said the initiative was both a tribute and a reminder of the values Zubeen upheld.

“We have come together to celebrate Zubeen’s birthday by planting trees; something he deeply believed in. He understood that people are children of nature, and nature is priceless. Sadly, many have forgotten this", Gohain said.

Gohain warned that the degradation of natural resources is already affecting lives across Assam.

“Air and water are nature’s greatest gifts. As they perish, life itself becomes endangered. If these disappear completely, humanity will not survive. Yet, people behave as if they don’t know this truth", Gohain added.

He condemned the ongoing destruction of green cover in the name of expansion.

“Some knowingly ignore the importance of nature. They chase money over sustainability. Trees are being felled indiscriminately to build four-lane and six-lane roads. In the last 15–20 years, Assam has lost more trees than most Indian states", Gohain said.

Gohain added that Assam’s iconic old trees which once drew tourists and formed part of the state’s identity, are now vanishing rapidly.

“There is no way to restore nature once it is destroyed. We must protect it at all costs. Our citizens’ group is trying, in our small way, to restore what we can through tree planting," he stressed.

The gathering concluded with participants pledging to continue similar initiatives throughout the year, emphasising that protecting nature is the best way to honour Garg’s memory and the values he stood for.