The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has condoled the passing away of Hindustani classical vocalist Smt. Kishori Amonkar.

In a message to her son, Shri Bibhas Amonkar, the President has said, "I am sad to learn about the passing away of your mother, Smt. Kishori Amonkar.

Smt. Amonkar enthralled music lovers with her soulful singing for decades.

For her tireless contribution to Indian classical music, she was honoured with numerous awards including the Padma Bhushan in 1987 and Padma Vibhushan in 2002. Her sad demise is an irreparable loss to the world of Indian music.

Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I pray to the Almighty to give you and all members of your family the strength to bear this irreparable loss”.

This release issued at 0715 hrs.