Noted flutist, composer and singer Prabhat Sarma passes away

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI, March 2: Noted flutist, composer and singer Prabhat Sarma passed away due to old-age ailments at his house in Ambikagiri Nagar here on Tuesday. He was 86 years old. He is survived by his wife, three daughters and grandchildren.

Recipient of several honours, late Sarma received the 'Sangeet Natak Akademi' award in 2003 for his contribution to folk and traditional music of Assam. He is the father of national award-winning singer artiste Tarali Sarma.

He was born at Sundaridiya Xatra of Barpeta district on 1935. Sarma learnt 'Borgeet' at the Xatra from Gangadhar Deva Mishra and Satya Krishna Deva Mishra. Later, he received training under Narahari Burha Bhokot. His teacher in folk music was Jogesh Bharali and he learnt the classical flute from Gour Goswami.

The public paid floral tributes at his body, which was taken to the Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra, All India Radio office, Rabindra Bhawan, Axam Xahiya Xabha, and the Swahid Bhawan of All Assam Students' Union (AASU).

The last rites were performed at the Nabagraha Crematorium on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has mourned the demise of Prabhat Sarma. In a statement issued here on Tuesday, the Chief Minister said, "Prabhat Sarma, through his extraordinary patronage, took the art of playing flute altogether to a great height. He also contributed immensely to promoting and popularising folklore. An extraordinary talent, Prabhat Sarma lent his hands in composing music in a few films also. A recipient of the 'Sangeet Natak Academy' and the State government's 'Artiste Pension', Prabhat Sarma's death is an irreparable loss to the society."

Sonowal also said that a multi-faceted personality Prabhat Sarma left behind a rich legacy of his works which will definitely be a source of inspiration for posterity. Conveying his condolences to members of the bereaved family, Sonowal prayed to the Almighty for eternal peace of the departed soul.

Media Advisor to the Chief Minister, Hrishikesh Goswami visited the house of Prabhat Sarma and paid rich floral tributes at the mortal remains of the departed soul. He also conveyed his condolences to the members of the bereaved family and spent some time with them. Among the organizations condoling the demise of PrabhatSarma are the AASU, AGSU, AGP, AJP, and the Assam Publication Board.

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