Assam Flood Relief: Artists Take to Streets, Zubeen Garg's Wife Joins Fundraising Drive

The Assam film and music fraternity continued its flood relief fundraising drive on Monday, with artists and volunteers fanning out across Guwahati to seek public support for families affected by the recent floods in Upper Assam. The initiative, which began on Sunday, has drawn a strong response from residents, with many stopping to donate cash and relief materials.

Actor Garima Saikia Garg, wife of late singer and cultural icon Zubeen Garg, joined the campaign for the second consecutive day. After paying tribute at the Bhupen Hazarika Samadhi Kshetra, she travelled with volunteers from Jalukbari to Maligaon, appealing to citizens to contribute to the relief effort.

"We have all come together with one purpose: to stand beside the people who have lost everything in the floods. Every small contribution matters, and the love and support we have received from the people of Assam has been truly overwhelming," Garima Saikia Garg said.

Residents, shopkeepers and commuters stopped to donate as the team moved through different localities. Volunteers said people from various walks of life have been extending support since the drive began, reflecting a collective effort to help those hit by the floods.

Garima Saikia Garg emphasised that the campaign was about more than just collecting donations. "Artists have always shared a close bond with the people. At a time like this, it is our responsibility to be on the ground and extend whatever help we can. We hope more people will come forward and support this humanitarian effort," she said.

The initiative draws inspiration from the humanitarian legacy of Jayanta Hazarika and Zubeen Garg, both of whom were known for their commitment to social causes. Musicians and artists have been reaching out directly to the public, with support from several cultural and social organisations.

Among the organisations taking part are the Film Fraternity of Assam, Guwahati Cine Musicians' Association, Kalaguru Artists Foundation, Photo Assam, Zubeen Garg Fan Club, Abhinaya and Assam Sangeet Sanstha. Their combined effort aims to provide both immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation support to affected families.

The fundraising drive began on Sunday in the Beltola-Jayanagar area before moving to Six Mile. On Monday, volunteers covered the Jalukbari-Maligaon stretch, where many residents came forward with donations. Organisers said the next phase of the campaign will be held from August 8 to 11.

Apart from providing immediate relief, the collected funds and materials will be used to help affected families rebuild their homes and resume their daily lives. Members of the fraternity recalled an earlier relief mission in which they distributed food, drinking water, medicines and other essential supplies in flood-hit areas.

They appealed to the public to continue supporting the campaign so that more families can be reached during the rehabilitation phase. The floods in Upper Assam have displaced thousands, damaged infrastructure and destroyed livelihoods, making sustained relief efforts crucial in the coming weeks.