On June 26th, 2008, Nehru Centre,
the Cultural Wing of the High
Commission of India in London presented a stunning confluence of semi-classical of violin recital “jugalbandi” with Minoti Khaund and her daughter Sunita Bhuyan. Minoti Khaund is an award winning violin maestro whose musical career has spanned 50 years. Sunita Bhuyan is a recipient of the Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini Award for music. Sunita has been giving performances, both solos and duets with her mother on the world stage.
Sunita is a rare musician who balances a full time HR career along with her inherited passion for music. She is the Head of Learning and Development at Syntel, a global ITES company that entails her to train managers on leadership and all-round development.
The function was inaugurated by Monika Kopil Mohta, Director and Minister of Culture. She spoke highly about the art and culture of the Northeast and welcomed the invited guest artists of Assam, Minoti Khaund and Sunita Bhuyan.
Sunita Bhuyan conveyed her gratitude to the Director for giving them the opportunity to perform at this prestigious venue. She also thanked Rini Kakati, a prominent lady of the Assamese community who was instrumental in making the performance possible.
Both mother and daughter held the audience in complete thrall with their performance of jugalbandi in what was a fitting finale to the long list of cultural activities at the Nehru Centre. Virtues of simplicity and grace that have made both Minoti and Sunita the most enchanting artists of the musical world of Assam, showed up in ample evidence during the performance.
The evening was started by raag Hanswadhani in Rupak and Teental. The Teental composition was an old and popular Khyal “Laagi Lagana”. This item resulted in the jhala crescendo which left audience spellbound. The next item was a scintillating light classical piece called Bharat Darshan. This had various folk tunes from different parts of India with a special piece of Assamese Bihu.
The grand finale was rendition of Vande Matarm, a superb vocal presentation of the powerful lyrics by Sunita. The audience was moved and became emotional. The duo were accompanied by well-known tablist from Bangladesh: Yusuf Ali Khan. The Asian and European audiences were overwhelmed by the performance and expressed that they had enjoyed the evening as a memorable one.
The invited Guests of Honor were Lord Dholakia and Lady Ann, Madhava Chandra, the minister representing the Indian High Commission, Jahnu Barua, the well-known film producer and director of Assam. In a traditional Assamese way, the dignitaries were felicitated with phulam gamosa.
In his closing speech, Lord Dholakia highlighted the richness of the North East, especially Assam and the importance of showcasing unity in cultural diversity. He mentioned his fruitful visit to Assam in the year 2005. As a state guest, he was invited by Tarun Gogoi, Honorable Chief Minister of Assam to inaugurate the North-East NRI Convention at Guwahati organized by NECCI (North East Chamber of Commerce and Industry). He praised Minoti and Sunita, especially the mother, for her tremendous effort to train Sunita not only in violin but also as a vocalist. Their next performance surely will be at the House of Lords, Lord Dholakia promised.
The jugalbandi performance was given a standing ovation by the huge audience when they played at the Hindu Cultural Centre, London on 14th June, 2008
The Milapfest of Manchester and Nottingham Arts Council slot were on hold due to Sunita’s busy schedule and other commitment. They have invited both artists to perform at the festival in the year 2009.
Minoti Khaund is an inspiration and her flawless performance is a silent but forceful message for all our upcoming violinists to follow.
Rini Kakati, London
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