AJP Raises 14-Point Zubeen Garg Cultural Charter
By Dalim Phukan
Guwahati, Sep 19 : With the objective of giving a permanent shape to the contributions made by Zubeen Garg to Assam’s language, culture, music, cinema, literature and creative fields, the Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) on Friday raised the “Zubeen Garg Cultural Charter of Demands.”
At a press conference held today at the AJP headquarters in Guwahati, party president Lurinjyoti Gogoi and general secretary Jagadish Bhuyan placed the 14-point cultural charter before the media.
The party observed the day as National Resolve Day as part of its observance of Zubeen Garg Memorial Day.
According to the Assam Jatiya Parishad, along with preserving the memory of Zubeen Garg, there is a need for a long-term cultural policy to make Assam’s cultural sector more organised, modern and opportunity-oriented by drawing inspiration from his creative journey. The charter has been prepared with this objective.
AJP’s 14-Point Cultural Charter of Demands
1. Develop ‘Zubeen Khetra’ as an International Cultural Centre
The AJP demanded that ‘Zubeen Khetra’ be developed as a modern Cultural and Creative Centre equipped with a museum, digital and physical archive, auditorium, recording studio, library and open-air performance space.
2. Confer the Bharat Ratna on Zubeen Garg
The party called for approaching the Central Government to confer the Bharat Ratna posthumously on Zubeen Garg in recognition of his contribution to Assamese music, cinema and the Indian cultural sphere.
3. Officially recognise September 19 as ‘Zubeen Day’
The AJP demanded that September 19 be officially recognised as ‘Zubeen Day’ and that an annual Zubeen Garg Cultural Festival be organised in every district. The festival should bring local artists, folk culture, literature, cinema, handicrafts and indigenous food culture together on a common platform.
4. Establish a ‘Zubeen Garg University of Music’
The party demanded the establishment of a full-fledged music university offering education and research facilities in classical, folk, ethnic and modern music, along with songwriting, music production, sound engineering, film music and music technology.
5. A Separate Cultural Policy and Music-Cinema Development Fund for Assam
The AJP demanded the formulation of an integrated Assam Cultural Policy and the creation of an Assam Cultural Fund as well as an Assamese Film and Music Development Fund.
6. Introduce the ‘Zubeen Garg Cultural Fellowship’
The party proposed regular fellowships for emerging singers, lyricists, composers, instrumentalists, filmmakers, writers, actors, theatre workers and researchers.
7. Social Security for Artists and Cultural Workers
The charter called for provisions such as Cultural Health Cards, health insurance, artists’ pensions, life and accident insurance, emergency medical assistance and special support for elderly artists.
8. Establish Cultural Centres of Excellence in Every District
As an alternative to Guwahati-centric cultural infrastructure, the AJP demanded the establishment of recording studios, rehearsal spaces, music production facilities and film post-production facilities in every district.
9. ‘Zubeen Garg Cultural Centres’ in Every Legislative Assembly Constituency
The party proposed establishing cultural centres in every Assembly constituency to provide training, practice and performance opportunities for local artists and the younger generation.
10. Preserve Assamese Culture and Ethnic Heritage
The AJP demanded the creation of a Digital Archive of modern Assamese songs, Bihu songs, folk songs, Sattriya music and various ethnic musical traditions. It also called for documenting songs, melodies, musical instruments and oral traditions that are at risk of disappearing.
The party further called for ensuring equal recognition and preservation of the languages and cultural heritage of all communities.
11. Protect Copyright and Royalty Rights of Zubeen Garg’s Songs and Films
The party demanded the establishment of a Music Rights Facilitation Centre to help Zubeen Garg’s legal heirs receive fair royalties from digital platforms, YouTube, OTT platforms and other media.
12. Cultural Research, Knowledge Preservation and Translation Projects
The AJP proposed establishing a Zubeen Cultural Research Centre and a National Cultural Library and Digital Knowledge Centre, besides translating selected songs, poems, interviews and creative ideas of Zubeen Garg into Indian and international languages.
13. Supportive Policy for Theatre Groups and Youth Cultural Activities
The party demanded a separate supportive policy for amateur theatre groups and mobile theatre, along with social security and infrastructure for theatre workers. It also proposed creating regular opportunities for cultural activities in schools and colleges through a ‘Zubeen Garg Youth Cultural Mission.’
14. Preservation of Cultural Materials of Indigenous Communities
The AJP demanded special measures for the preservation, documentation and display of traditional musical instruments, dance costumes, ornaments, ancient traditional weapons and other traditional implements of Assam’s indigenous communities.
At the press conference, AJP leaders said that taking forward Zubeen Garg’s creative ideals and creating opportunities, infrastructure, social security and an environment for free creative expression for artists, creative young people and cultural workers in Assam would be a more meaningful tribute to him.
AJP’s Resolve
The Assam Jatiya Parishad said it seeks to build a culturally vibrant Assam where artists receive respect, newcomers receive opportunities, the creative younger generation enjoys rights, and the cultural diversity of every community in Assam receives equal recognition.
The Assam Jatiya Parishad reiterated its commitment to carrying forward the ideals of Zubeen Garg.
