Renowned violinist and musician Minoti Khaund passed away at a private hospital in Guwahati on January 18. She was 85. A native of Jorhat, Khaund had been unwell and was recently hospitalised following a serious head injury. She suffered a cardiac arrest and was declared dead by doctors.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his condolences, highlighting Khaund’s significant contributions to Indian classical music and her role in promoting Assam’s musical heritage both nationally and internationally. Khaund was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Amrit Award in 2022 in recognition of her lifelong dedication to music.