Internationally recognised flutist Dipak Sarma passed away on Monday morning while undergoing treatment in Chennai. He breathed his last at 6:15 AM at Rela Hospital. Sarma had been suffering from serious liver-related illness for a long time and had been under treatment in different hospitals in Assam and outside the state.
Born on 30 August 1968 in Panigaon, Nalbari, Sarma completed his schooling in 1984 and later studied at Karmashree Hiteswar Saikia College in Guwahati. He completed his B.Com degree with honours in 1989. Driven by a deep interest in music, he later moved to Kolkata to study at Rabindra Bharati University, where he completed his postgraduate studies in International Music.
Sarma earned early recognition in 1994 when he became the first Assamese artist to receive the “B-High’’ grade in classical music from All India Radio. Soon after, he shifted to Mumbai to pursue advanced flute training under noted flutist Hariprasad Chaurasia. He stayed in Mumbai for seven years and continued to develop his musical career. 
In 2000, on the occasion of India’s Golden Jubilee of Independence, Sarma toured South Africa, which marked his first international performance. Over time, he performed in more than 42 countries, earning praise from global audiences. In 2004, George Washington University in the United States awarded him an honorary doctorate for his contribution to music.
Sarma had been suffering from health complications for several years. He was treated at Dispur Hospital in Guwahati before being moved to Max Hospital in New Delhi, where he underwent a liver transplant on 13 April 2023. Although there was initial improvement, his health later deteriorated again.
Following further complications, he was admitted to Nemcare Hospital in Guwahati on 29 September and discharged six days later. He was again admitted to Dispur Hospital on 7 October as his condition failed to improve. Due to increasing medical expenses and financial strain, the family faced difficulties in continuing treatment. He was eventually shifted to Chennai for further medical care, where he passed away.
