Shivangi Bhattacharjee: Why Student Abuse Amid Mourning of Zubeen Garg?

2025-09-22

When someone important to a community passes away, people often gather to mourn and remember. In Assam, the passing of singer Zubeen Garg left thousands heartbroken. He was not only a popular musician but also a cultural icon. His death brought deep sadness, and the state government even declared three days of mourning.

But during this sensitive time, a controversy began. A student named Shivangi Bhattacharjee, from Gauhati University, posted a video online mocking the grief of Assamese people. Her harsh words shocked many and quickly spread across social media.

This article explains what happened, why her comments created anger, and what it means when someone disrespects a community’s grief.

Who Was Zubeen Garg?

Zubeen Garg was a beloved Assamese singer, composer, and actor. He was known for his unique voice and for promoting Assamese culture through music and film. People loved him not only for his talent but also for his connection with ordinary citizens.

When he passed away in a scuba diving accident, it was a huge loss. The Assam government announced official mourning. Shops, offices, and public events were paused as people gathered to remember him. To many, this was a way of showing love and respect to a cultural hero.

What Did Shivangi Bhattacharjee Say?

Shivangi Bhattacharjee: Why Student Abuse Amid Mourning of Zubeen Garg?

Shivangi Bhattacharjee, a student originally from Bengaluru but studying at Gauhati University, posted a video on social media. In the video, she made fun of Assamese people mourning Zubeen Garg’s death.

She called them uneducated and stupid. She said shutting down businesses for mourning was embarrassing. She also told people to focus on work instead of grief.

Her words hurt many people who were already in pain. Instead of respecting their sorrow, she insulted their feelings and culture.

How Did People React?

The reaction was immediate and strong. Social media users condemned her statements. Many called for her expulsion from the university. Some demanded her arrest.

The student organisation Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) filed a formal complaint, saying her comments were abusive and hurt Assamese sentiments. They believed she had insulted not only individuals but also the culture and identity of the community.

Her video was seen as more than just a careless remark, it was seen as an attack on a community’s pride.

Why Were Her Words So Hurtful?

To understand the anger, we need to see the cultural context. Zubeen Garg was not just a singer. He was a symbol of Assamese culture and unity. His music was part of people’s lives for decades.

When he died, the grief was collective. Public mourning was a way for people to heal together. By mocking this process, Bhattacharjee appeared to belittle their identity.

For many Assamese people, it felt like she was saying their culture did not matter. That is why her video spread such anger.

Calls for Action

The controversy grew so large that it was no longer just about one student’s opinion. Many people asked the government and university to take action.

Expulsion: Students and organisations demanded she be removed from Gauhati University.
Legal Case: A complaint was filed for hurting religious and cultural sentiments.
Public Backlash: Thousands criticised her online, calling her words insensitive and arrogant.

The case also raised a question: should freedom of speech allow someone to insult cultural mourning?

Mourning as Cultural Respect

In many places, public mourning is common. When a leader, artist, or cultural hero dies, communities gather, businesses close, and events stop as a sign of respect.

In Assam, Zubeen Garg was such a figure. His loss was not only personal but collective. To mock this mourning was seen as mocking the people themselves.

Bhattacharjee’s comments revealed a lack of understanding about local traditions. This incident shows how cultural sensitivity matters, especially in diverse countries like India.

Conclusion

The case of Shivangi Bhattacharjee reminds us that words have power. A single video can hurt millions if it disrespects culture and emotions. While freedom of expression is important, it should not be used to insult grieving communities.

Zubeen Garg will be remembered as a cultural icon of Assam. His songs, voice, and spirit will live on. The controversy around Bhattacharjee shows that when it comes to mourning, respect and empathy are always needed.

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FAQ

Who was Zubeen Garg?

Zubeen Garg was a famous Assamese singer, actor, and cultural icon. He was loved across India for his songs and was a key figure in Assamese identity.

Why is Zubeen Garg special?

What did Shivangi Bhattacharjee say?

She mocked Assamese people for mourning Zubeen Garg’s death, calling them “uneducated” and “stupid,” and criticised the closing of businesses during the mourning.