Veteran musician and eminent violinist Minoti Khaund passed away at a private hospital in Guwahati on January 18. She was 85. Family members said she had been unwell for a prolonged period and was undergoing treatment following a recent accident.
Khaund was hospitalised after suffering a serious head injury and internal bleeding caused by an accidental fall at her residence. She underwent surgery and remained under medical care, but suffered a cardiac arrest on Saturday evening and was declared dead by doctors.
Eminent violinist Minoti Khaund passed away at a private hospital in Guwahati on January 18 at the age of 85. A recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Amrit Award, she was a leading figure in Assam’s classical music tradition and was mourned by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
A Musical Journey Rooted in Assam
Born and brought up in Jorhat, Minoti Khaund’s musical career spanned decades, during which she became one of Assam’s most respected exponents of the violin. While her early life and training were rooted in Upper Assam, Guwahati emerged as the city where her later life, performances, and recognition converged.
For Guwahati’s music community, Khaund was not only a performer but a reference point, someone whose work connected classical traditions with contemporary audiences.
Contributions Recognised Nationally
Khaund represented Assam’s musical heritage on national and international platforms, helping bring wider recognition to classical violin traditions from the Northeast. Her disciplined style and commitment to classical forms earned her respect among peers and students alike.
In 2022, she was honoured with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Amrit Award for her lifelong dedication to music, a recognition seen as long overdue by many in Assam’s cultural circles.
Condolences from the Chief Minister
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed deep sorrow over her demise. In a condolence message, he said Minoti Khaund embodied Assam’s rich musical heritage and made significant contributions to Indian classical music through her performances and lifelong commitment.
The Chief Minister conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul.
Guwahati Mourns a Cultural Loss
In Guwahati, news of her passing prompted tributes from musicians, students, and cultural organisations. Many recalled her quiet influence through performances, mentorship, and example on the city’s evolving classical music ecosystem.
Cultural observers noted that Guwahati has increasingly become the custodian of Assam’s senior artistes, making her passing a deeply felt loss for the city’s cultural memory.
What Happens Next
Family members are expected to complete the last rites in Guwahati. Cultural bodies in the city are likely to hold condolence meetings and musical tributes in the coming days to honour her legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Where did Minoti Khaund pass away?
She passed away at a private hospital in Guwahati on January 18, following complications after an accidental fall.
Q2. What national honour did Minoti Khaund receive?
She was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Amrit Award in 2022 for her lifelong contribution to music.