Tributes Flow for Renowned Flautist Dipak Sarma in Guwahati
A Heartfelt Farewell to Dipak Sarma
Guwahati, Nov 4: On Tuesday, students, fans, and admirers gathered to honor the legacy of the internationally celebrated flautist Dipak Sarma, filling the atmosphere with the soothing sounds of the flute, the instrument that brought Assamese music to life.
The beloved musician's remains arrived in Guwahati on Tuesday morning, flown in from Chennai, landing at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport.
Following this, his body was taken to his home in Ambikagiri Nagar, where family members conducted the final rites according to their religious traditions.
Currently, Sarma's remains are at the Seuj Sangha premises in Ambikagiri Nagar, allowing fans and cultural organizations to pay their respects to the maestro who significantly contributed to Assam's musical heritage.
In the evening, his body will be transported to the Navagraha crematorium for the final rites, which will be conducted with full state honors.
“Deepak was an extraordinary talent who showcased Assam’s flute tradition on both national and international platforms. His musical contributions were vast, and he aspired to establish a music school. If he were still with us, many young musicians could have learned the flute under his mentorship,” remarked artist Bipin Chawdang.
The 57-year-old flautist passed away in a Chennai hospital on Monday at around 6:15 am after a long struggle with a serious liver condition. He had been receiving treatment in Chennai for several months.
Hailing from Panigaon village in Nalbari district, Dipak Sarma's journey from a local artist to an internationally recognized flautist is a testament to his dedication, discipline, and artistic talent.
His exceptional flute skills, which combined classical elegance with Assamese folk elements, made him a beloved figure in the state's music community.
His melodies became iconic in Assamese musical productions, capturing the essence of the region and its people. However, despite his acclaim, Sarma faced financial difficulties in his later years.
During his illness, Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma provided financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to support his treatment in Chennai.
Sarma's death, occurring shortly after the passing of Zubeen Garg, has intensified the sorrow within Assam's artistic community.
“This year has been devastating for Assam’s artistic community. We’ve lost Rajib Sadiya, Zubeen Garg, Gayatri Hazarika, Syed Sadullah, and now, Deepak Sarma,” Chawdang added.
As tributes continued to pour in from fellow artists, fans, and cultural organizations, many remembered him as a humble and dedicated musician who truly represented the spirit of Assamese folk music.