Exploring Zubeen Garg's Cultural Impact: A National Seminar at EFLU Shillong

The upcoming national seminar at EFLU Shillong will explore the profound cultural influence of Zubeen Garg, a prominent figure in Northeast India. Scheduled for March 26-27, 2026, this event will feature discussions on his contributions to music, cinema, and philosophy. With a diverse lineup of speakers, including authors, artists, and scholars, the seminar aims to create a dynamic space for dialogue and reflection on popular culture. Attendees can expect a blend of academic presentations, personal insights, and a tribute to Zubeen's legacy, making it a significant cultural moment for both fans and newcomers alike.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 19, 2026, 17:28 IST

A Cultural Inquiry into Zubeen Garg

What significance does a voice hold in shaping the memories of a generation? How does music evolve into a form of protest, cinema serve as a mirror, and performance embody philosophical thought? This March, the English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU) in Shillong will delve into these questions, focusing on the influential cultural icon of Northeast India, Zubeen Garg.

On March 26-27, 2026, the Department of Journalism & Mass Communication and English Language Education at EFLU will host a National Seminar sponsored by ICSSR NERC, titled “Society and Culture in Art and Philosophy of Life: Understanding the Cultural Praxis and Epoch-making of Zubeen Garg and the North-East India.” This event aims to create a vibrant platform where artistic expression meets analytical discourse, blending lived experiences with critical perspectives.

For over thirty years, Zubeen Garg has made significant contributions to music, cinema, poetry, and public life, profoundly influencing the cultural landscape of Assam and the broader Northeast region.

His artistic expressions resonate with themes of identity, belonging, resistance, and emotional memory, positioning him as more than just an artist but as a cultural phenomenon.

The seminar will feature a diverse array of speakers, including a keynote address by renowned author and filmmaker Parthajit Baruah, who will discuss ‘Zubeen Garg as Cinematic Text: Performance, Stardom and the Aesthetics of the North-East Screen.’

Personal insights will be shared by Zubeen’s childhood friend and columnist Hemchandra Pathak, along with his first manager Jayanta Bordoloi.

In collaboration with a local media outlet, the seminar will also showcase distinguished figures such as artist Sabita Sharma from Jorhat, scholar Dr. Pallavi Devi from Gauhati University, cultural curator Avinibesh Sharma from Vintage Hub, academic Dr. Palme Borthakur, and legendary musician Lou Majaw, creating a unique interdisciplinary blend of scholars, artists, and practitioners.

Beyond academic presentations and discussions, the seminar will include moments of collective emotion and celebration, featuring a special tribute to Zubeen led by students and a curated photo exhibition that aims to capture the multifaceted nature of the artist, his public image, and his personal connections.

At its core, this seminar invites participants to reconsider popular culture as a vital source of knowledge, to interpret art as a form of philosophy, and to engage more deeply with the narratives that shape a region's identity.

For those familiar with Zubeen’s music or those just beginning to explore it, this event promises to be more than a seminar; it represents a significant cultural moment.

For further inquiries, please contact: nationalseminarzg@gmail.com

EFLU, Shillong Campus is situated at Umshing, Mawkynroh in Shillong.