Guwahati, Sept. 20 -- Like so many others, I was in disbelief and shock when I heard the heartbreaking news from Singapore on Saturday. It is difficult to imagine Assam without Zubeen da's voice-a voice that has shaped thousands of emotions since our adolescent years and taught us to dwell in emotions of love, sorrow, and every other feeling. As Assam, the Northeast, and the world mourn his loss, I struggle to write a few lines to fill the void.

With little knowledge of music, I don't dare comment on his invaluable musical contribution. We mourn today the loss of a great artist whose voice has accompanied millions of people in their lives, thoughts, love, sadness, anger, and dreams, including me. This loss feels like a personal one, some...