Ricky Kej shares a gratitude note for PM Narendra Modi after Padma Shri victory: 'This is a new India..'

Ricky Kej has been honoured with one of the most prestigious national awards - Padma Shri. It is hard for the artist to put his feelings in words, yet he tried to pen a beautiful, heartfelt note, to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the honour. He highlighted how PM has created an atmosphere where international artists are encouraged and their talent is acknowledged.

“Dear Prime Minister Sri @narendramodi ji, you have created an atmosphere in our nation where we all have the potential to excel. You encourage, enable and cheer on our artists in every possible way. We no longer sit on the sidelines in the international arena but take leadership," Ricky Kej wrote on X.

He continued, “I have always attributed the success that I enjoy to your advice, inspiration and blessings, and the same with this Padma Shri honour I have received. This is a new India where artists do not need to ask, yet we receive. To me, this honour is not an end goal, but a new beginning. A platform for doing better and bigger for our nation under you. My best is yet to come. My deepest and most sincere gratitude sir."

On the eve of Republic Day, the central government revealed the names of notable individuals who will be honoured with the esteemed Padma Awards, the highest civilian accolades in the country. These awards are presented in three categories: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri.

This year, a total of 139 individuals were announced as awardees, including seven for Padma Vibhushan, 19 for Padma Bhushan, and 113 for Padma Shri. The recipients were recognized for their outstanding achievements in various fields such as art, social service, science, and medicine, showcasing their significant contributions across multiple sectors.