In an effort to preserve the musical legacy of late Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, a music enthusiast from Kuwaritol in Assam's Nagaon district has created a personal archive of rare recordings, safeguarding songs that are no longer easily accessible on digital platforms
GUWAHATI — In an effort to preserve the musical legacy of late Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, a music enthusiast from Kuwaritol in Assam's Nagaon district has created a personal archive of rare recordings, safeguarding songs that are no longer easily accessible on digital platforms.
Chinmoy Saikia, who has been collecting Zubeen Garg's old audio and video cassettes over the years, has taken up the initiative to digitise and preserve the recordings for future access.
Saikia said he has digitally archived more than 200 songs by the celebrated singer that, according to him, are unavailable on YouTube and other major online music platforms.
His collection reflects an earlier era of music consumption, when physical audio and video cassettes were among the primary ways audiences accessed songs. Many recordings from that period face the risk of deterioration, damage, and permanent loss as the original tapes age.
Through his digital preservation efforts, Saikia aims to protect these recordings from disappearing and ensure that a part of Zubeen Garg's extensive musical work remains accessible beyond the lifespan of physical media.
The archive includes recordings collected over an extended period, highlighting the personal efforts of music enthusiasts to preserve material that may not have received a formal digital release.
Zubeen Garg, one of Assam's most influential singers and musicians, built a diverse musical career spanning Assamese and several other Indian languages. His songs continue to hold a strong place in the cultural and musical landscape of the Northeast.
While several of his works are available through digital services, older recordings can be difficult to locate, particularly when they were released through limited physical editions or remain outside major streaming catalogues.
Saikia's initiative underlines the importance of independent archiving in protecting regional music heritage. His collection seeks to preserve rare recordings for listeners and future generations, ensuring that older works are not lost as cassettes become increasingly difficult to find and maintain.
The effort also reflects the enduring connection between Zubeen Garg's music and his listeners, who continue to contribute to the preservation of his artistic legacy through personal initiatives.