Obituary and Tribute to Dr. Suresh Mathur from KHMC

With a deep sadness, we share the passing of a luminary in New England’s Indian music community, Dr. Suresh Mathur, who left us on January 2nd at the age of 94. A distinguished nuclear physicist and academician at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, Dr. Mathur was also an accomplished Hindustani flautist and a passionate advocate for Indian Classical Music (ICM). His dedication to nurturing and promoting ICM from the early 1980s to the late 1990s was instrumental in establishing a vibrant music culture in the region.

Dr. Mathur’s academic rigor as a physicist extended to his approach to learning and practicing music, inspiring countless students and enthusiasts. As an avid collector and archiver of Indian Classical Music, he encouraged a structured and disciplined engagement with this rich art form.

Beginning with informal gatherings of classical music enthusiasts, Dr. Mathur went on to organize numerous Baithak concerts featuring local and visiting Hindustani and Carnatic musicians. These efforts culminated in the founding of KHMC (Karnatak and Hindustani Music Circle), a grassroots nonprofit organization that continues to promote and organize regular performances by students and teachers of Indian music in the New England area.

Dr. Mathur’s vision also indirectly inspired the establishment of LearnQuest Academy of Music, which began in 1995 as an academic enrichment center and has since evolved into a leading institution for Indian Classical Music education.

Dr. Mathur’s legacy is profound. His passion for music and his tireless efforts to foster a thriving community of musicians and music lovers have left an indelible mark. He will be remembered as a visionary, a mentor, and a devoted supporter of Hindustani and Carnatic music in New England.

We, at KHMC are greatly indebted to Mathur ji along with the rest of New England music community. KHMC is his brain child and he worked tirelessly to bridge the genres. 

Rest in peace, Dr. Mathur. We remain deeply grateful for your extraordinary contributions and will continue to draw inspiration from your remarkable life and work! 

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