The people of Assam have long demonstrated an unshakeable and heartfelt affection for the late singer Zubeen Garg. His sudden passing brought the entire state to a standstill; Assam mourned not merely the loss of a celebrated artist but of a cultural icon who had become an inseparable part of its identity. Months after his death, that profound love continues to shape public sentiment in unexpected ways. The most recent example emerged when an electoral officer refused to mark the late musician as “deceased” on the voter list, choosing instead to pay a deeply emotional tribute.
According to Indian media reports, including a recent account by NDTV, the Election Commission of India has directed a special revision of the electoral roll in Assam ahead of the forthcoming state assembly elections. As part of this verification process, booth-level officers have been conducting door-to-door checks to confirm voter details. One such official, Tafiz Uddin, was assigned to verify names in the area where Zubeen Garg’s family once lived.
Upon encountering Zubeen Garg’s photograph on the voter list, Tafiz Uddin found himself overwhelmed with emotion. Rather than marking the singer as “deceased”, he wrote by hand a brief but heartfelt note: “May you remain immortal forever; may your soul attain eternal peace.” His refusal to simply label the artist as no longer alive reflected the depth of feeling shared by many in Assam.
Speaking to reporters about his decision, Tafiz Uddin explained that he had been unable to detach himself emotionally in that moment. “Zubeen Garg was the soul of our people. He was the voice through which we expressed our joys and sorrows. Accepting that he is no longer with us is still impossible. When I came across his name on the list, I simply could not bring myself to mark him as dead,” he said.
News of the incident quickly reached social media, where it was shared by Palomi Barthakur, representing Zubeen Garg’s family. She expressed her gratitude for the official’s heartfelt gesture, writing that the affection shown by fans and well-wishers continues to give the family strength. She added, “This love is our courage. I am deeply grateful to Tafiz Uddin da.”
Zubeen Garg, one of Assam’s most adored singers and performers, passed away in Singapore on 19 September. His death left a void in the cultural fabric of Assam, where he was revered not only for his music but for his philanthropic work, activism, and his role in promoting the Assamese language and identity. Even months after his passing, acts such as this demonstrate that his legacy remains very much alive.
The emotional reaction of a government officer during a routine electoral verification has resonated widely across Assam. It stands as yet another reminder of the extraordinary connection between Zubeen Garg and the people he inspired for decades. For many, he remains more than an artist—he is a symbol of cultural pride whose memory refuses to fade.