9th Mile, Khanapara, Ri Bhoi, Friday, September 19, 2025:  

Faculty members, students, and staff gathered to express their sorrow and reflect on Shri Zubeen Garg’s immense contributions to the world of music and culture. The university community stands in solidarity with his family, friends, and countless admirers during this time of profound loss.

Zubeen Garg tragically passed away at the age of 52 on September 19, 2025, following a swimming accident in Singapore. He was in the city to perform at the 4th North East India Festival, scheduled for September 20–21, 2025, where he was set to showcase his popular Hindi, Bengali, and Assamese songs as the festival’s cultural brand ambassador.

According to reports, Garg fell critically ill while swimming, was rescued by Singapore police, and rushed to a hospital. Despite intensive medical care, doctors were unable to revive him, and his passing was confirmed, sending shockwaves across Assam, the Northeast, and beyond.

His death marked the end of an era for Indian music, particularly for the Assamese cultural landscape, where he was revered as a "living legend" and the "heartthrob of Assam." Tributes poured in from fans, fellow artists, and political leaders, including Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who described Garg as "the pride of Assam and the nation," and actor Adil Hussain, who mourned his extraordinary contributions to Assamese music and culture.

The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) organized a condolence gathering, Samabedana Shradhanjali, at Latasil Field in Guwahati on the evening of September 19, 2025, to honor his legacy. Arrangements were underway to repatriate his mortal remains to Assam, with the Ministry of External Affairs coordinating with Singapore authorities to complete legal and administrative formalities, potentially by Sunday.

On August 27, 2024, the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) held its 10th Convocation at its 9th Mile, Ri Bhoi campus, where renowned Assamese singer Zubeen Garg was conferred an honorary Doctor of Literature (D.Litt.) degree. 

The prestigious honor was awarded to Garg in recognition of his significant contributions to the music and cultural landscape of Assam, as well as his efforts in promoting peace, harmony, and societal development through art and philanthropy. 

Alongside Garg, Meghalaya’s pop-rock icon Lou Majaw also received an honorary D.Litt. degree for his outstanding contributions to art and culture, particularly for his storytelling and social commentary through music that reflects the Khasi way of life.

The convocation, presided over by USTM Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque, was attended by a distinguished gathering of vice chancellors, academicians, and notable figures, including Prof. Ved Prakash, former Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), who delivered the convocation address, and Prof. V. N. Rajsekharan Pillai, Vice Chancellor of Somaiya Vidyasagar University, Mumbai, who gave a special address. The event saw a total of 1,639 graduates receiving their degrees, including 17 Ph.D. scholars, 906 postgraduate students, and 716 undergraduate students.

Zubeen Garg, on that occasion, expressed his gratitude to USTM for the honor, stating, “Thank you very much, USTM, for this honour. I never thought that I would get a doctorate in my life because I was a college dropout.” 

The University sent out a message, "We deeply mourn the sudden demise of Shri Zubeen Garg, the legendary singer and cultural icon of Assam.

A condolence meeting was held today to pay homage to the legendary singer Shri Zubeen Garg. Members expressed deep sorrow at his untimely demise and recalled his immense contribution to music and culture.

His unparalleled career, with over 40,000 songs in 40 languages, hit Bollywood tracks like Ya Ali from Gangster, and efforts to revive the Assamese film industry through projects like Mission China and Roi Roi Binale, cemented his status as a cultural icon whose legacy continues to inspire millions.

A multi-talented artist, Zubeen Garg is celebrated for his work as a singer, music director, composer, lyricist, actor, film director, producer, scriptwriter, and philanthropist. His contributions span Assamese, Bengali, and Bollywood music and films, significantly elevating the visibility of Assamese culture on a national and global stage. Despite recent health challenges, Garg attended the ceremony, receiving the degree amidst applause from the gathered dignitaries and students.

This recognition marked a significant milestone in Zubeen Garg’s illustrious career, solidifying his legacy as a cultural icon who has bridged tradition and modernity through his music and social contributions.