VAIKOM: Thavil maestro Karunamoorthy (54) passed away. He died at a private hospital in Kochi at 2.50 pm yesterday. He was undergoing treatment for an abdominal disease.

He was a teacher at Vaikom Kshetra Kalapeedam. Karunamoorthy was also bestowed with the title of "Asthana Vidwan" of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam. Karunamoorthy, who elevated the 'Thavil' musical instrument to international fame, has performed in many venues at home and abroad. The funeral will take place at 2 pm on Thursday. Wife: Sreelatha Moorthy. Children: Athira Moorthy and Anand Moorthy. Son-in-law: Manu Shankar.