National Award Named After Zubeen Garg Announced

NEW DELHI- The South Asia Climate Change Journalists’ Forum on Tuesday announced the institution of a new annual national award dedicated to recognising impactful journalism on environmental and nature-related issues. The honour, titled the Zubeen Garg National Award for Environmental Reporting, commemorates the late Assamese music icon known for his long-standing commitment to ecological causes.

The award carries a cash prize of ₹1 lakh and will be presented each year to one journalist from anywhere in India. Forum president Ashish Gupta said the selection would not be based on applications but on an independent jury’s assessment of notable environmental stories published or broadcast during the year. Detailed guidelines on the selection mechanism are expected to be released soon.

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Announcing the initiative at a press conference at the Assam Media Centre, Forum members emphasised the growing urgency of environmental reporting as India faces accelerating climate-related disruptions. Journalists working across print, digital, television, radio and multimedia platforms will be eligible for consideration.

Forum member Kallol Bhowmik said the award aims to encourage deeper coverage of ecological issues and motivate journalists to bring environmental concerns into mainstream public discourse. The first edition of the award will be presented in New Delhi in 2026, coinciding with Zubeen Garg’s birth anniversary.

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The announcement also coincided with a commemorative event in the national capital. Cultural organisation Yugasutra hosted a tribute to mark the late singer’s 53rd birth anniversary at the lawns of Assam House. Garg, who died on September 19 in Singapore while swimming, remains an influential figure in Assam’s cultural landscape.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, attending the event as Chief Guest, paid floral tribute to Garg’s portrait. Sonowal described the late artist’s contributions as enduring, noting that his work reached “the inner recesses of every heart and soul” and would continue to inspire future generations. He also highlighted Garg’s philanthropic engagements and environmental activism, calling on the youth to uphold the values he championed.

Saplings were distributed during the programme in memory of Garg’s connection with nature. The evening included performances of his songs and dance renditions, offering attendees a reflective celebration of his artistic legacy.