Rita Choudhury Dedicates Podcast Revenue to Preserve Zubeen Garg’s Legacy

Eminent Assamese writer and novelist Dr Rita Choudhury on Sunday addressed a press conference in connection with the upcoming Brahmaputra Literary Festival 2026, which will be held in Sivasagar from February 6 to February 8.

Dr Choudhury stated that the festival will be a celebration of literature, music and humanity, with rhythm, words and art as its central themes. The three-day event aims to create a confluence of creative expression while highlighting cultural dialogue and artistic collaboration.

During the press interaction, Dr Choudhury also shared her views on several key issues and announced initiatives aimed at supporting emerging artists from Assam. She announced the formation of the Zubeen Garg Fund, which will focus on encouraging and financially supporting young and upcoming artistes in the state.

She further informed that the entire revenue generated from a YouTube podcast featuring Zubeen Garg, amounting to USD 2,909 {Approximate value: ₹2,63,500 INR (rounded)}, will be invested as a fixed deposit for a period of 20 years. The interest accrued from this deposit will be utilised exclusively to support and motivate emerging artists.

Speaking on Zubeen Garg’s legacy, Dr Choudhury said, “Zubeen embodied the very idea of Assam. He not only lived for himself but inspired countless others with the spirit of survival and creativity.”

Referring to the sense of loss felt by his admirers, she added, “In the absence of Zubeen, there is a visible void among his followers. Through our platform, we are committed to working for them. As an initial step, the income from the podcast with Zubeen will be preserved for the next 20 years to nurture new talent.”

On the issue of the charge sheet filed in connection with Zubeen Garg’s death, Dr Choudhury refrained from making any detailed remarks, citing legal constraints. “As the matter is sub judice, I do not wish to comment on it,” she said.

She further added, “I will continue to contribute through my writing. Our aim is to bring together all of Zubeen Garg’s work and shape it into a lasting legacy. I have not yet seen the SIT charge sheet, but like everyone else, we want justice for Zubeen.”

The Brahmaputra Literary Festival 2026 is expected to serve as a major cultural platform, blending literary discourse with music and artistic expression, while honouring the enduring legacy of Assam’s creative icons.

Also Read: More Noise Than Proof? Why the Zubeen Garg Case Faces a Legal Test