By Dalim Phukan<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Guwahati, Sep 19 : With the objective of giving a permanent shape to the contributions made by Zubeen Garg to Assam\u2019s language, culture, music, cinema, literature and creative fields, the Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) on Friday raised the \u201cZubeen Garg Cultural Charter of Demands.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The party observed the day as National Resolve Day as part of its observance of Zubeen Garg Memorial Day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019s cultural sector more organised, modern and opportunity-oriented by drawing inspiration from his creative journey. The charter has been prepared with this objective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
AJP\u2019s 14-Point Cultural Charter of Demands<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Develop \u2018Zubeen Khetra\u2019 as an International Cultural Centre<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The AJP demanded that \u2018Zubeen Khetra\u2019 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Confer the Bharat Ratna on Zubeen Garg<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Officially recognise September 19 as \u2018Zubeen Day\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The AJP demanded that September 19 be officially recognised as \u2018Zubeen Day\u2019 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Establish a \u2018Zubeen Garg University of Music\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. A Separate Cultural Policy and Music-Cinema Development Fund for Assam<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. Introduce the \u2018Zubeen Garg Cultural Fellowship\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The party proposed regular fellowships for emerging singers, lyricists, composers, instrumentalists, filmmakers, writers, actors, theatre workers and researchers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
7. Social Security for Artists and Cultural Workers<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The charter called for provisions such as Cultural Health Cards, health insurance, artists\u2019 pensions, life and accident insurance, emergency medical assistance and special support for elderly artists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
8. Establish Cultural Centres of Excellence in Every District<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
9. \u2018Zubeen Garg Cultural Centres\u2019 in Every Legislative Assembly Constituency<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The party proposed establishing cultural centres in every Assembly constituency to provide training, practice and performance opportunities for local artists and the younger generation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
10. Preserve Assamese Culture and Ethnic Heritage<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The party further called for ensuring equal recognition and preservation of the languages and cultural heritage of all communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
11. Protect Copyright and Royalty Rights of Zubeen Garg\u2019s Songs and Films<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The party demanded the establishment of a Music Rights Facilitation Centre to help Zubeen Garg\u2019s legal heirs receive fair royalties from digital platforms, YouTube, OTT platforms and other media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
12. Cultural Research, Knowledge Preservation and Translation Projects<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
13. Supportive Policy for Theatre Groups and Youth Cultural Activities<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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 \u2018Zubeen Garg Youth Cultural Mission.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n
14. Preservation of Cultural Materials of Indigenous Communities<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019s indigenous communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the press conference, AJP leaders said that taking forward Zubeen Garg\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
AJP\u2019s Resolve<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Assam Jatiya Parishad reiterated its commitment to carrying forward the ideals of Zubeen Garg.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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