Guwahati, Sept 2: A new memorial space dedicated to beloved artiste Zubeen Garg was formally inaugurated at Rajgarh in Guwahati on Tuesday, marking a tribute to the singer-composer’s enduring connection with the area and his vast artistic and humanitarian legacy.Named ‘Zubeen Khetra’, the space has been created beneath the old Abhinaya building on the approach road to Rajgarh No. 2 Bylane through the initiative of journalist, writer and cultural activist Hemanta Sarma. It was formally inaugurated by Zubeen Garg’s wife, Garima Saikia Garg.The memorial space witnessed the participation of religious leaders and representatives of different faiths, who offered prayers, recited sacred verses and extended blessings according to their respective traditions. The inclusive inauguration reflected Zubeen Garg’s philosophy of transcending caste, community, language and religion.Speaking at the event, Garima Saikia Garg said Rajgarh holds a special place in Zubeen Garg’s life, as he had spent nearly 15 years in the area and created many of his works there.She appreciated Hemanta Sarma’s initiative to establish the memorial at a place closely associated with the artiste and said it would help keep his music, creations, thoughts and humanitarian philosophy alive.“People want to pay their respects to Zubeen Garg before beginning a good work, and this place is for everyone,” she said.She also recalled the significance of the old Abhinaya studio in Rajgarh, where Zubeen Garg had created several timeless songs and where a theatrical space had also been established to fulfil his sister’s dream.With Zubeen Garg’s creative activities having since moved to ZG Studio at Jonali, the old Abhinaya address has now acquired a new identity as Zubeen Khetra, offering fans and admirers a space to remember the artiste.Founder Hemanta Sarma said the objective behind establishing Zubeen Khetra was to ensure that Zubeen Garg’s memory and legacy remained accessible to people and were not confined to any particular place.The memorial, he said, was envisioned as a space open to everyone, in keeping with Zubeen Garg’s belief in an inclusive society.Garima Saikia Garg also spoke about the significance of September being observed in Zubeen Garg’s name and the observance of September 19 as Zubeen Day.She urged people not merely to remember Zubeen Garg but to understand his principles, his creations and the values he stood for. She recalled his belief that people remembering his work would be more meaningful than simply remembering him as an individual.Garima also expressed her reluctance to describe the day of Zubeen Garg’s physical absence as his “death anniversary”. She said she had earlier appealed that the day should not be referred to in those terms, as people were looking for a more meaningful way to remember him.As part of the commemorative observances, a series of programmes are also expected to be organised at Zubeen Kshetra in Sonapur on November 17, 18 and 19 by several cultural organisations.With the inauguration of Zubeen Khetra at Rajgarh, the old Abhinaya address has acquired a new identity that seeks to preserve the memories of a place where Zubeen Garg spent years of his creative life.