Sunita Khaund Bhuyan is a violinist and HR professional on Wellness, leadership and change interventions through the medium of music and has 25 years of experience in the field. With a musical journey spanning two decades, Sunita has embarked on numerous tours throughout the United Kingdom, captivating audiences across the country and has left an indelible mark on the UK's music scene. Sunita has shattered myths as the first violinist in India to masterfully play Assamese folk tunes on this classical instrument.
Here, she speaks to Asian Voice about empowering talents and what music means to her.
What do you have to say about women in music and the opportunities they have access to?
Given that my main work is to look at a greater awareness of the benefits of music than just entertainment, the Delphic Council attracted me. It is more than just about the livelihoods of artists.
I was very keen to partner with them to create awareness about the well-being aspect of music because music has its own scientific impact on the brain. Also, as an artist who has had the privilege of access, I want to be able to pave the way for those who don’t. There are a lot of artists who are so talented but don't have access. So it's always nice to be part of a forum where we can give access to artists
Can you elaborate on your work as an ambassador for the South Asian Women’s fund in Sri Lanka?
When you are listening to music, the endorphins flow in the body. That's what creates the feel-good hormone- dopamine, and if you can tap it with two more hormones, serotonin and oxytocin, the results are therapeutic. Using music for those who need it is where my association with the South Asian Women's Fund stems from. Apart from that, I'm a joyful ambassador for Don Bosco, both in Mumbai and in Assam where they rehabilitate street children. Engagement in music helps them heal and gets the best out of them. We can also evaluate their faculties to music, and that actually fuels their academic careers. It creates better cognitive health.
What does your role as an HR professional on Wellness, leadership and change through the medium of music entail?
I use music for learning and training interventions, which is my main occupation. Twenty- five years back, I introduced the concept of art as a medium for leadership and as a medium for therapy and healing. I introduced music in the corporate world as a learning tool and an enrichment program, sometimes also hinged on recreation. It started from Friday meets and went into training. Initially, it started as a music program and today, it's definitely more structured with great outcomes. It's about specific leadership values that an organization wants to drive through the music.
What do you have to say about women in music and the opportunities they have access to?
At least 50% of women don't get access to fair opportunities. For me, it was always my own little niche. So, to figure out a lot of things that most artists go through is difficult for me to imagine. But even when it comes to corporate, there is gender bias in the boardroom or outside. And once a woman is doing something completely on merit, people look at our connections. But no one will understand that the connections have been created because of what you have done. It's a very thin tightrope for women at this point.
How has the art of music transformed over the generations in your family?
Teaching music is a huge devotion. And I don't think anyone can match that to my mother. She's one of the most senior violinists of Assam and she is never after any recognition. My generation needs gratification. My mother was very strict. I had not played a song till I was 20- 25 years old. But I realise that the way she build the depth has helped me play Scottish folk and other complicated tunes today. It's all because of the depth of the discipline. Now my son is trained in Western classical. So it's a structured approach.
Also, me and my mother play music for the people but with my son it depends on whether he wants to and the ambiance. There is also a generational gap, obviously. I think the new generation is very focused and they're very driven by what the internet. So, you know, I find it quite unnerving.
