N. Neela, the younger of the Sikkil Sisters, acclaimed flautists in the field of classical Carnatic music, passed away this morning. She was 85. Neela has won several awards including  Padmashri, Sangeetha Kalanidhi and Sangeet Natak Akademi awards. She, along with her elder sister Kunjumani are top grade artists of AIR and DD, and have performed extensively in different studios and Sammelans all over India, perhaps as the only female flautist duo in the country.