From Grammy to Padma Shri, Ricky Kej strikes right notes

Bengaluru, Jan 25 (UNI) When the President of India announced the Padma Shri Award for 2025 on the eve of Republic Day, one name stood out among the distinguished recipients: Dr Ricky Kej. A three-time Grammy Award winner and a musician whose artistry defies borders, Kej’s recognition is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the power of music as a force for change.

For Kej, the honour is deeply personal. “At every stage, I have strived to go against the grain, follow my passion, and use my work to inspire and bring about positive change. To me, this honour is not an end goal, but a new beginning. I am always grateful for all of your support,” he said in a message to UNI on Wednesday. His words reflect a journey fuelled by passion and conviction, one that has seamlessly blended art, activism, and global outreach.

Dr Kej’s recent performances have reaffirmed his role as a cultural ambassador. At the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas celebrations in Bhubaneswar, his composition ‘Aao Ji’ – a tribute to the Indian diaspora – was met with thunderous applause, with none other than Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauding his work. The event underscored his unique ability to weave heritage into contemporary melodies, fostering a sense of global belonging.

From the grand stage of the Dubai Fusion Festival, where he collaborated with musicians from six countries, to the Prestige Centre for Performing Arts in Bengaluru, Kej’s music continues to build bridges. His set at IIM Ahmedabad’s Chaos Festival left audiences electrified, while at Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival, over 8,000 fans joined in a euphoric celebration of indigenous and global sounds.

Beyond his concerts, Kej’s influence extends into intellectual and cultural spheres. His collaboration with iconic poet Javed Akhtar and eminent flutist Rakesh Chaurasia in New Delhi was an intimate exploration of poetry and melody, while his keynote speech in New York, hosted by the Consul General of India, positioned music as a vital tool for emotional and environmental well-being.

His impact isn’t confined to music alone. In Colombo, at the newly inaugurated ITC hotel, Kej’s performance further solidified his stature on the international stage. Closer home, he joined hands with director Sairam Sagiraju for a music video championing Karnataka’s commitment to organic farming and millets—a testament to his commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.

Dr Kej’s Padma Shri honour is more than an award; it is a recognition of a lifetime spent pushing creative and cultural boundaries. Whether through his Grammy-winning compositions, environmental advocacy, or groundbreaking collaborations, Kej’s symphony of purpose continues to resonate worldwide.

With this latest honour, his journey is set to inspire and uplift, proving once again that music, when wielded with intent, can transform the world.

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