October 24, 2017: Eminent classical singer and Padma Vibhushan awardee Girija Devi passed away at the age of 88 in Kolkata this eveing. She was known as the “thumri queen” for popularising the genre of semi-classical Indian music.
The eminent singer from the Seniya and Banaras gharanas was reportedly admitted at the BM Birla Hospital in Kolkata in the afternoon after complaining of chest pain.
Girija Devi was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2016. Earlier, she was conferred the Padma Shri in 1972 and the Padma Bhushan in 1989.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled her death, saying the singer’s music appealed across generations and her pioneering efforts to popularise Indian classical music would always be remembered.
He tweeted that Indian classical music has lost one of its most melodious voices. Prime Minister said that his thoughts are with Girija Devi’s admirers. (AIR News)
