Three-time Grammy Award-winning musician Dr. Ricky Kej was conferred with the prestigious Padma Shri award on Tuesday, 27 May 2025, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of music. President Droupadi Murmu presented the honour at a ceremonial event held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. Interestingly, he accepted the award barefoot. Watch the video below. 

Renowned music composer, Dr. Ricky Gyan Kej (@rickykej) receives the #PadmaShri from President #DroupadiMurmu

Ricky Gyan Kej is a leading figure in the world of global music. He is a three-time #Grammy Award winner and four-time Grammy nominee

Dr. Kej’s ground-breaking… pic.twitter.com/tI8IfmP4hC

— PIB India (@PIB_India) May 27, 2025

Ricky Kej accepts Padma Shri barefoot

Dressed in a traditional black outfit, Dr. Ricky Kej chose to receive the Padma Shri barefoot. Speaking to ANI, the awardee shared that the moment was sacred to him, “I felt a deep sense of responsibility, and the entire ceremony felt like a temple. It was this overwhelming feeling that moved me to walk barefoot while accepting the award.”