Beyond an academic literary node, it is a heartfelt vow to let Zubeen Garg's melodies of compassion and cultural unity resonate through generations of scholars.

 "Zubeen Da was an institution of empathy," Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque declared. "Through this fellowship, his ideas will guide dreamers, turning remembrance into a movement."

With 40,000 songs, over 30 years of enchanting audiences through Assamese soul-stirring folk fusions, a few Bollywood anthems, he championed Assamese pride while bridging divides across India's Northeast. 

A college dropout turned cultural colossus, his life embodied raw talent fused with empathy, advocating for the underdog, fighting for linguistic rights, and infusing his music with humanism and romancicism that transcended borders. 

The University of Science and Technology Meghalaya, recognising this fire, had honoured him with an Honorary Doctorate in Literature a year prior, during its 10th Convocation in August 2024. 

Dr Zubeen Garg, ever the modest maestro, quipped, "I never thought I'd get a doctorate without being a graduate." Little did they know, it would become the prelude to an eternal encore.

Dr Zubeen Garg's visits to USTM were legendary: he filmed scenes for his final movie, Roi Roi Binale, right there,under the Ri Bhoi skies.

His interactions, laced with his trademark grace, left indelible imprints.  Now, in his absence, USTM channels that spirit into action. The program invites researchers to delve into Zubeen Garg's legacy: his artistic innovations, humanitarian ethos, and philosophy of unity in diversity. Early responses have flooded in, with aspiring scholars eager to unpack how his songs wove social threads into cultural tapestries.

To steward this vision, USTM is assembling an Advisory Council—a dream team of scholars, artists, cultural historians, and even Zubeen Garg's family members. They'll guide projects, ensuring every thesis hums with authenticity and impact. Vice Chancellor Prof. G.D. Sharma and other luminaries like Dr. R.K. Sharma and Prof. Garima Kalita joined Chancellor Hoque at the unveiling, their words painting a picture of education infused with emotion.

As Meghalaya's top private university - boasting an NAAC 'A' grade - USTM has long blended rigour with heart. It's a radical reimagining: scholarship not as dusty tomes, but as living lyrics that heal and inspire, as Zubeen Garg was more than a voice; he was Assam's beating heart.