Assam government postpones exams amid statewide mourning for Zubeen
What's the story
In tribute to the late singer Zubeen Garg, who died on Friday in a scuba diving accident, the Assam government has postponed exams scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. The decision was announced by Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu on X (formerly Twitter). Garg, 52, was in Singapore for the North East India Festival during the tragic accident. He passed away at Singapore General Hospital despite intensive care efforts. Assam has declared state mourning from 20th to 22nd September.
Cultural loss
'In view of the statewide mourning...'
On Saturday, Pegu said on X, "The Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT), originally scheduled for 21st September, 2025, has been postponed in view of the statewide mourning for Zubeen Garg." "The assessment will now be conducted on 12th October, 2025, with a total of 4,70,000 adult learners appearing for the test." Previously, on Friday night, he announced that the half-yearly examinations in schools, scheduled for Saturday, have been postponed till Garg's cremation.
Twitter Post
See his post here
The Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT), originally scheduled for 21st September 2025, has been postponed in view of the statewide mourning for Zubeen Garg. The assessment will now be conducted on 12th October 2025, with a total of 4,70,000 adult learners…
— Ranoj Pegu (@ranojpeguassam) September 20, 2025
Musical journey
Versatile singer's career spanned over 3 decades
Born in Tura, Meghalaya, in 1972 and raised in Jorhat, Assam, Garg had a career spanning over three decades. He was known for his versatility and sang in over 40 languages. His songs, like Shola Shola, Ya Ali and Assamese folk music, were loved by people of all ages. He is survived by his wife, Garima Saikia Garg, and son Gautam. Garg's last rites will be held in Assam.