bhaskar saikia

I am a person who grieves in private and laughs in private. Though I may appear to joke around, I am fiercely private, and expressing my emotions openly has never come easily. Naturally, my feelings find their way into my writings and poetry—a silent language through which I communicate the depths of my heart.

Looking back, I often wonder who inspired me to write. The answer comes without hesitation: it was none other than Zubeen Garg. He was a person who could convey profound emotions and philosophies in just a few lines. His mastery over words and language sparked something within me, showing me that writing could be an avenue to express what I could not say aloud.

As life went on, my writing was influenced by many others, notably Paulo Coelho and Michael Lewis. Yet, when I trace my roots as a writer, it was Zubeen da who first lit that spark.

There is another way Zubeen da influenced my life—one that goes beyond his artistry. In 2005, as a freshman at B Borooah College in Guwahati, I met him for the first time. Zubeen da, an alumnus of my own college, was at the height of his superstar years, yet he carried himself with remarkable humility. Despite his fame, there was no trace of ego or superiority. That day, he quietly taught me what it truly means to be humble.

His sudden death last Friday has left a deep pain in my heart. Two of my colleagues couldn’t hold back their tears when they heard the news. I, however, could not cry, for I somehow find it difficult to let my tears flow. Yet, even in my quiet grief, I find comfort in the lessons Zubeen da gave me. From him, I have always learned to live with optimism, passion, and joy—even when life knocks you down.

Zubeen Garg, through both his art and his character, showed me (and many others) that one could hold deep emotions, express them meaningfully, and yet remain grounded. His influence continues to shape not just my writing, but the way I see and live life: with honesty, depth, humility, and an enduring sense of joy, even in sorrow.