Guwahati: Ahead of the scheduled court proceedings related to legendary Assamese singer and cultural icon Zubeen Garg on January 12, his wife Garima Saikia Garg and sister Palmee Borthakur on Friday announced the formation of the Zubeen Garg Foundation, a dedicated trust aimed at preserving, documenting and celebrating his immense artistic legacy.
Addressing a press conference at their residence in Kahilipara, the family said the foundation would work to ensure that Zubeen Garg’s life, music, creative philosophy and cultural contributions continue to inspire future generations. Garima Saikia Garg described the singer’s body of work as extraordinary, noting that much of it was created single-handedly. “We continue to study his life and work because, for us, he is very much alive through his creations,” she said.
Garima also revealed plans to publish a comprehensive biography of the artist, acknowledging that the process would take time due to the scale and depth of his work and the need to engage with people from diverse walks of life who were closely associated with him.
Palmee Borthakur expressed confidence in the ongoing legal process, stating that the family believes justice will prevail. She added that the family would dedicate their Kharghuli property for the functioning of the foundation, which will include family members, close associates and representatives of the Zubeen Fan Club.
Welcoming the Assam government’s decision to return ₹2.90 crore to the Kalaguru Foundation from Zubeen Garg’s final film Roi Roi Binale, Borthakur said the move would aid long-term cultural initiatives.
The foundation will operate through three wings—Abhinaya Performing Arts, Kalaguru Artist Foundation, and a Research Wing—with plans for a digital library, film productions and social initiatives, dedicating over 85 per cent of its income to social causes.
