About Ringchad Brahma

My name is Ringchad Brahma, and I belong to North Singmari, a remote village in Kokrajhar district, Assam. Growing up in a rural area was not easy. During my childhood, our village faced many challenges, including poor roads, limited transportation, and communication difficulties. However, these hardships taught me resilience and strengthened my determination to pursue my dreams.

I completed my schooling at St. John’s School, where I lived in the hostel. During my school years, we had a subject called Work Experience, where students had to make handicrafts or useful items and submit them as part of the curriculum. Since I was interested in music, my father made a simple bamboo flute and sent it to me for the assignment.

That flute changed my life.

As I held it in my hands, I wondered, “Instead of simply submitting it as a school project, why don’t I learn to play it?” I began teaching myself, but I quickly realized that playing the flute was much more difficult than I had imagined. I could not even produce a proper sound. Despite my repeated efforts, I struggled with the basic technique of blowing into the flute. Still, the desire to learn never left me.

After completing school, I moved to a nearby town to pursue my Higher Secondary (10+2) education. During those years, the region experienced frequent conflicts between different communities. Curfews became a part of daily life, making education and normal activities extremely challenging.

Even during those difficult times, my passion for the flute continued to grow. I searched throughout the town for a flute teacher, but unfortunately there was none. Although I desperately wanted to learn, I had no opportunity to receive proper guidance.

Later, I moved to Guwahati to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (B.Sc. IT). A few months after joining college, my childhood dream returned stronger than ever. I decided that in a bigger city I must be able to find a flute teacher.

My search began with musical instrument shops. I visited one shop after another, hoping that someone would know a flute teacher. Sadly, none of the shopkeepers could help me.

Then one day, I decided to try a different approach.

Instead of searching for instrument shops, I visited a music institute and asked if they offered flute lessons. Although they did not have a flute department, they kindly gave me the phone number of a flute teacher.

That evening, I made one of the most important phone calls of my life.

The person who answered was Shri Kailash Rabha, who later became my first Guru. He invited me to visit his music studio the next day.

With great excitement, I attended my very first flute lesson on 16 November 2014. That day marked the true beginning of my musical journey.

Under the guidance of Guru Shri Kailash Rabha, I trained for nearly six years. He introduced me to commercial and light music and helped build the strong musical foundation that would shape my future.

As the years passed, my curiosity for music deepened. I became fascinated by Hindustani Classical Music and wanted to understand its depth and discipline. I began searching for another Guru who could guide me in classical music.

I then joined the institute of Late Shri Dipak Sharma, where I continued my classical flute training for a few years. Although I learned a great deal, I felt that my journey was still incomplete. I longed to experience the traditional Guru–Shishya Parampara (Gurukul system), where students live and learn under the close guidance of their Guru.

In March 2023, I travelled to Bhubaneswar, Odisha, to visit the Gurukul of Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, whom I respectfully regard as my Bade Guruji. I consider myself truly blessed that I had the opportunity to meet such a legendary musician during my very first visit.

I stayed at the Gurukul for one month. During that period, I had the privilege of learning Guruji’s teachings for about a week before he travelled elsewhere.

During the final week of my stay, another life-changing moment arrived.

I met Pandit Rupak Kulkarni, who is now my present Guru. After interacting with him and learning under his guidance, I shared my dream of pursuing flute as a lifelong career. Guruji encouraged me wholeheartedly and advised me to join Chinmaya Naada Bindu Gurukula, Pune, where he serves as a professor.

Following his guidance, I joined the Gurukula in 2023 and enrolled in the Master of Arts (M.A.) in Hindustani Classical Music (Flute).

There, I had the great fortune of learning under both Pandit Rupak Kulkarni and Shri Jayateerth Kulkarni. Studying in the Gurukul environment transformed not only my musical understanding but also my discipline, lifestyle, and respect for the tradition of Indian classical music.

In 2025, I successfully completed my Master’s degree in Hindustani Classical Music. However, graduation was not the end of my journey. Music is a lifelong path of learning, and even today I continue my training under both of my respected Gurus, striving every day to become a better musician, performer, and teacher.

Looking back, I realize that my journey began with a simple bamboo flute made by my father in a remote village of Assam. What started as a school assignment gradually became my life’s purpose.

Every challenge—the lack of transportation, the absence of teachers, the community conflicts, the endless search for the right Guru, and the many miles travelled across India—has shaped the musician I am today.

I believe that dreams do not come true because circumstances are easy. They come true because we refuse to give up.

My journey continues, and I remain committed to preserving, performing, and promoting the rich traditions of Hindustani Classical Music while inspiring future generations through the timeless voice of the bansuri.