Three-time Grammy winner Ricky Kej released his instrumental rendition of the Indian national anthem in collaboration with the 100-member British Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The veteran singer released the album on the eve of India’s Independence Day, August 15.
In an exclusive interview with DD News, the singer said, “It is the largest orchestra to ever record the Indian national anthem. It is a special event as the Britishers ruled over India for over 200 years, and now an Indian composer will be conducting the British orchestra to play the national anthem.”
Interestingly, this is not Kej’s first rendition for this occasion. In 2022, he performed the anthem with 12 refugee singers who are staying in India. The singers hail from countries such as Myanmar, Afghanistan, and Cameron.
The singer also expressed his views on the recently launched national campaign ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’, which is the culminating event of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’. The singer said, “I truly believe in such reminders that the government gives. We all should think and work for our country.” Additionally, he added, “India accounts for 1/6th of the world population, so if India grows, the whole world grows.”
India’s 77th Independence Day
India celebrated its 77th Independence Day, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading from the iconic Red Fort in Delhi on August 15, 2023. Around 1,800 people from different walks of life from all over the country were invited as Special Guests to witness the ceremony.
This year’s Independence Day culminated the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations, which were launched by the Prime Minister from Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on March 12, 2021.