Shillong: The English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU), Shillong, conducted a two-day ICSSR NERC sponsored national seminar themed ‘Society and Culture in Art and Philosophy of Life: Understanding the Cultural Praxis and Epoch making of Zubeen Garg and the North East India’ on March 26-27.The academic gathering transformed into a shared cultural space where memory, music, identity and emotion converged to celebrate the life, work and legacy of Zubeen, who was born in Tura in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya.Prof. Mousumi Guha Banerjee, director of EFLU Shillong, highlighted how Zubeen’s music transcended boundaries and brought people together.Singer Lou Majaw from Shillong shared cherished memories of his dear friend, noting that Zubeen had proven that music united the world. Evanisha Pathaw, renowned singer from Meghalaya, spoke on the enduring emotional impact of Zubeen’s voice, concluding her address with a rendition of his popular song ‘Mayabini’.Khasi poet, dramatist, playwright, critic and scholar Streamlet Dkhar discussed the powerful connective force of music and recited one of her poems as a tribute to Zubeen’s enduring legacy.Parthajit Baruah, author and filmmaker, viewed Zubeen as a cinematic text, presenting the artist as a powerful visual and cultural presence who shaped the representation of the northeast.The seminar culminated with the plantation of a ‘Nahor’ sapling (Zubeen’s favorite tree) near the academic block on the ELFU campus, Shillong.
