Rahul Gandhi Honors Zubeen Garg in Assam: The Mount Kanchenjunga Connection

The death of Zubeen Garg in Singapore remains under investigation as authorities continue to examine the circumstances.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi paid his respects to Assam's beloved cultural icon Zubeen Garg at the cremation site in Guwahati's Sonapur, where he shared a personal connection to the mountain that held special significance for the late singer.

During his visit, Gandhi reminisced about his first encounter with Mount Kanchenjunga when he was 17 years old. The mountain, which Gandhi described as "honest, transparent, unshakable and beautiful," was often referenced by Zubeen Garg in his social commentary and artistic expressions.

Notably, in Zubeen's film 'Mission China,' the singer had delivered the powerful line: "I don't have community, I don't have a religion, I am free, I am Kanchanjangha."

Gandhi explained how this connection resonated with him: "Today, while I was coming, Gaurav [Gogoi] said Zubeen ji called himself Kanchenjunga, and immediately it connected to me that he was Kanchenjunga because he had the qualities of Kanchenjunga."

As part of the tribute, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha offered a traditional Assamese 'gamosa' scarf and a wreath at the cremation platform. He also planted a 'nahor' (Indian rose chestnut) sapling, known to be favored by the late singer.

After meeting with Zubeen Garg's family, Gandhi emphasized their desire for clarity regarding the circumstances of his death. "It's a tragedy that the whole state has faced. I spoke to the family, and they only said one thing to me, that 'we have lost our Zubeen and all we want is the truth should be clear'. It is the duty of the government to quickly investigate what happened in Singapore and tell the family the whole truth," Gandhi stated.

The Congress delegation accompanying Gandhi included Assam Congress in-charge Jitendra Singh, Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly Debabrata Saikia, and other party officials alongside Gaurav Gogoi.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma acknowledged Gandhi's visit, though noted it came 28 days after the singer's death, commenting that it was "better late than never." The Chief Minister had previously expressed expectations that senior Congress leadership would have attended the singer's cremation.