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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

‘Tiger’ backs ‘Cockroach’

Mumbai: The Shiv Sena (UBT) became the first political party to openly support the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) launched by a Maharashtra youth Abhijeet Dipke who launched a huge protest in New Delhi on Saturday. In a strong statement, SS (UBT) President and ex-CM Uddhav Thackeray threw his weight behind the CJP as thousands of youngsters hit the streets of New Delhi in the scorching sun, not for politics but for their future. “Those whom we call the architects of the nation's future have come...

‘Tiger’ backs ‘Cockroach’

Mumbai: The Shiv Sena (UBT) became the first political party to openly support the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) launched by a Maharashtra youth Abhijeet Dipke who launched a huge protest in New Delhi on Saturday. In a strong statement, SS (UBT) President and ex-CM Uddhav Thackeray threw his weight behind the CJP as thousands of youngsters hit the streets of New Delhi in the scorching sun, not for politics but for their future. “Those whom we call the architects of the nation's future have come out carrying their pain, frustration and anxiety about their future. It is wrong to ridicule them as ‘cockroaches’ and deny them justice,” said the SS (UBT) Tiger. Thackeray said the recent NEET paper leak scandal had shattered the dreams of lakhs of students and their families, raising questions in the minds of youngsters whether merit still matters – as the movement which started on social media has spilled onto the streets across the country. “All these aggrieved young men and women are now raising their voices by becoming ‘cockroaches’. The government must listen to their demands. Do not underestimate the ‘cockroaches’ – this is the warning given by the agitation (today) at Jantar Mantar,” said Thackeray sharply. The SS (UBT)’s supportive stance came against the backdrop of mounting anger among students over the alleged irregularities in major public examinations like NEET, CBSE, CUET, and recruitment processes, which has shaken confidence in the country's education system. The Protest Around dawn, Dipke, 30 – who launched the online movement three weeks ago from the USA – reached India as thousands of supporters waited patiently and peacefully near the Parliament Street Police Station. Many waved the National Tricolour, copies of the Constitution or books of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, others carried flowers which they offered to the 1000-plus alert security personnel deployed there, and several sported symbolic cockroach masks. In a brief address, Dipke accused the government of focusing more on the CJP’s online presence than on the serious issues raised by the students. “You may be able to delete our posts, but you cannot erase us from this space,” he roared, amid loud cheers and thundering applause from the crowd. He said there must be accountability in the form of the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, failing which the CJP will continue its protests in New Delhi and also other parts of India. Anticipating detention after his homecoming, Dipke: “I was fully prepared to sacrifice my freedom for this cause.” In a warm gesture, environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk arrived from Ladakh to join the protest, declared himself as an ‘Honorary cockroach’ and expressed solidarity with Dipke. “People ask what is achieved through protests, sit-ins and marches. It proves that we are alive. The government may treat us like insects, but we are alive and capable of fighting for our rights,” mocked the CJP in a social media statement The CJP volunteers repeatedly urged the protestors to maintain decorum and make their impact in a democratic manner, which the crowds adhered to, but raised full-throated slogans intermittently, even as the protest ended without any untoward incidents. Incidentally, the Delhi Police granted permission for the demonstrations by allowing the crowds to gather directly at Jantar Mantar grounds as a ‘one-time exemption’. Demonstrations expressing solidarity to the cause were held in different parts of the country while tight security was deployed outside Dipke’s home in Chhatrapati Sambhajinar. Why are students forced to agitate?: Aaditya Thackeray Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray said why the students are being compelled to agitate when they should be planning out academic future and career options. “The young students exposed the NEET leak scam, or the CBSE marks scandal. The minister should have resigned or should have been sacked, some officials have been transferred but not suspended. The government should be ashamed of the situation,” said Aditya.

The Voice of the Northeast That Echoed Across India

Zubeen Garg (1972–2025)
Zubeen Garg (1972–2025)

Zubeen Garg, the iconic singer, composer, actor, and cultural ambassador of Northeast India, passed away on September 18, 2025, at the age of 52, following a tragic scuba diving accident in Singapore. The news sent shockwaves through the music world, leaving fans, colleagues, and the Assamese community in profound grief. Known as the “Heartthrob of Assam” and a multifaceted artist whose voice bridged regional folk traditions with Bollywood glamour, Garg’s untimely death marks the end of an era for Indian music. He was rushed to a hospital after sustaining injuries during the dive but succumbed while undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit. His passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the nation, with many remembering him as a symbol of resilience, creativity, and unyielding passion for his roots.


Born Zubeen Borthakur on November 18, 1972, in Tura, Meghalaya, to an Assamese Brahmin family, Garg’s early life was steeped in artistic influences. His father, Mohini Mohon Borthakur, was a magistrate by profession but a poet and lyricist known under the pseudonym Kapil Thakur. His mother, the late Ily Borthakur, was a talented singer, dancer, and actress who nurtured his musical inclinations from the tender age of three. Garg often credited her for his initial training, recalling how she taught him to sing before he could even speak properly. The family moved frequently due to his father’s job, exposing young Zubeen to diverse cultures across Assam and beyond. He honed his skills in tabla under Pandit Robin Banerjee for 11 years and delved into Assamese folk music with Guru Ramani Rai. Academically, he completed his matriculation at Tamulpur Higher Secondary School and began a Bachelor of Science at B. Borooah College in Guwahati but dropped out to pursue music full-time. Tragedy struck early in his personal life when his younger sister, Jongki Borthakur, an aspiring actress and singer, died in a car accident in 2002. In her memory, Garg released the poignant album Xixhu, a testament to his deep familial bonds. He married fashion designer Garima Saikia Garg in 2002, and the couple shared a quiet life away from the spotlight, with Garg openly declaring himself irreligious and free from caste constraints.


Garg’s career ignited in 1992 when he won a gold medal for his western solo performance at a youth festival, propelling him into the professional arena. That same year, he released his debut Assamese album Anamika, which quickly established him as a rising star in regional music. Albums like Xapunor Xur, Junaki Mon, Maya, and Asha followed, blending folk elements with contemporary sounds. His first bihu album, Ujan Piriti (1995), became a commercial hit, capturing the festive spirit of Assam. Eager to expand his horizons, Garg relocated to Mumbai in 1995, diving into the competitive Bollywood scene. He debuted with the Indipop album Chandni Raat and contributed to films like Gaddaar (1995), Dil Se (1998), Doli Saja Ke Rakhna (1998), Fiza (2000), and Kaante (2002).


The turning point came in 2006 with “Ya Ali” from the Bollywood film Gangster, a haunting Sufi-rock anthem that catapulted him to national fame. The song, with its emotive lyrics and Garg’s powerful vocals, became an instant chart-topper, earning him the Best Playback Singer award at the Global Indian Film Awards (GIFA). It remains one of his most enduring hits, often cited as a milestone that introduced Northeast talent to mainstream India. Building on this success, Garg delivered more Bollywood gems like “Dil Tu Hi Bataa” from Krrish 3 (2013), a romantic melody that resonated with audiences for its heartfelt delivery. In regional cinema, his Assamese tracks like “Jajabor” – a masterpiece of modern Assamese music blending wanderlust and emotion – solidified his status as a cultural icon. Critics hailed it as a timeless piece, reflecting Garg’s nomadic spirit and love for his homeland.


Garg’s repertoire extended beyond Assam and Hindi. In Bengali cinema, he enchanted listeners with “O Bondhu Re” from Premi (2005), a soul-stirring ode to friendship, and “Piya Re Piya Re” from Chirodini Tumi Je Amar (2008), which captured the essence of young love. Garg’s voice wasn’t confined to playback; he composed and directed music for films, winning the National Film Award for Best Non-Feature Film Music Direction for Echoes of Silence in 2009 at the 55th National Film Awards.


Beyond music, Garg was a prolific actor and filmmaker. He debuted in acting with the Assamese film Tumi Mur Matho Mur (2000) and appeared in Bollywood cameos, including in Gangster and Strings (2006). His directorial venture Mission China (2017) was a blockbuster, blending action with patriotic themes, while films like Kanchanjangha (2019) showcased his storytelling prowess. Over his career, he amassed numerous accolades, including multiple Best Music Director and Best Playback Singer awards from regional bodies. In 2024, he received an honorary Doctor of Literature (D.Litt.) from the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya, recognizing his contributions to arts and culture. Zubeen Garg’s death leaves a void in Indian music, but his melodies will endure, inspiring generations. He is survived by his wife, Garima, and a legion of fans who will forever hum his tunes. As one fan aptly put it, “Zubeen wasn’t just a singer; he was the soul of Assam.” Rest in peace, maestro.


(The writer is a senior journalist based in Mumbai. Views personal.)

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