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Recently, noted musician Ricky Kej won his career's third Grammy Award for 'Divine Tides' album. Speaking to Modi Story, he opened up how PM Modi gave a purpose to his music and encouraged him to create music which had a social impact and showcased India's great culture.

"When I had won my first Grammy Award in 2015, it was just after a year Prime Minister Modi had become the Prime Minister and on that international stage where over a billion people from all over the world were watching the Grammy Awards, I had actually given a shoutout when I mentioned during my acceptance speech a big thank you to him (PM Modi) and I said that he is doing such amazing work for India," said Kej.

Ricky Kej further said that he wanted to meet PM Modi and was delighted to receive a call from the Prime Minister's Office regarding their meeting.

Recalling about their first meeting, Kej narrated, "I had assumed that it would be a photo-op type meeting for 4-5 minutes, but it actually went on to become an hour-long discussion! It was a great experience. PM Modi inspired me during that meeting that every music I make is for what I am passionate about, which is the environment and positive social impact. He has been a huge influence on my life because he changed the course of my career and he changed the course of my life."

Kej added that now he does not make any commercial or Bollywood music. He said, "The only kind of music that I make is about trying to make this world a better place and trying to showcase our beautiful heritage and culture of India. That's what my life is all about now."

Sharing more insights about their meeting, Kej remarked, "PM Modi realised that my passion is the environment and I realised that his huge passion is environment and nature and protecting and conserving all species. Honourable Prime Minister mentioned to me that he will be going to COP21 – Paris Climate Change Conference that was the biggest commerce of nations ever in the history of our planet. He also mentioned that he was going to launch a Solar Alliance which was something very-very close to my heart."

While they were discussing about the COP21 conference, they came up with a suggestion that a music album shall be created on climate change and India's perspective about climate change involving musicians, making it very inclusive, musicians from all over the world. "So I ended up making this album called 'Shanti Samsara' which featured 500 musicians from 40 countries. PM Modi loved the album and he launched the album at Paris Climate Change Conference by gifting the album to then President of France Mr. Francois Hollande and then Secretary General of United Nations Mr. Ban Ki Moon," Kej said.

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At 9 years, 9 defining aspects of PM Modi’s vision for India
June 01, 2023
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Prime Minister Modi sees a transformative India based on economic growth, social welfare and technological innovation. His vision includes initiatives like as ‘Make in India,’ which aims to increase manufacturing, as well as ‘Digital India,’ which intends to bridge the digital divide and empower individuals through technology.


As the government marks nine years in office, let us look at nine defining aspects of PM Modi’s vision for India.


Anurag Thakur, Union Minister elaborates that all decisions and policy-making under the Modi Government has always prioritized a ‘Long-Term Vision’. Even the concept of Amrit-Kaal frequently used by PM Modi for a developed India for the next 25 years resonates with this vision. PM Modi possesses an astute ability to link India’s cultural heritage and history with its modern and developed future.


Baba Kalyani, Industrialist narrates how PM Modi has always envisioned an ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ where defence production in India is carried out through indigenous means for the Indian Forces. He also points out an instance where during the Republic Day Parade, PM Modi emphasized on using an India made Artillery Gun during the 21-gun salute.


Smt. Kiran Ghai, Bihar BJP Leader, recounts the story of one of the beneficiaries from her village. The beneficiary named Prema mentions about the ‘Ease of Living’ facilitated by the Modi Government. When Kiran ji asked Prema ji as to for whom would she vote in the coming elections, she replied, “For Modiji.” She said all of her previous generations were deprived of electricity and it was only under the Modi Government she and her village has experienced uninterrupted electricity. Adding further she said even the womenfolk of the previous generation were vulnerable to indoor pollution and that today the women are able to avail cooking gas which has enabled the ease of living.


Arjun Ram Meghwal, Union Minister speaks about how PM Modi did away with the ‘VIP Culture’ of various high-level dignitaries possessing ‘Laal Batti’ (red beacons) on their respective vehicles getting preferential treatment as VIPs. PM Modi has always believed that he is the ‘Pradhan Sevak’ and people have to be served through honourable values of service.


General Manoj Mukund Naravane, Former Indian Army Chief elucidates how the Indian Forces have conducted various surgical strikes on both the India-Myanmar and India-Pakistan borders, reiterating that India always possessed the capabilities of carrying out such strikes, but the political will and go ahead was provided only under PM Modi-led Government strengthening India’s ‘National Security’.


Uday Mahurkar, Central Information Commissioner says that PM Modi is the only leader in India’s 75-year-old history who has sought and willed to eliminate ‘Corruption and the Middleman Culture’ at both the higher and the lower levels. PM Modi has always believed that if the bureaucrats are honest then corruption shall be eliminated and this has become the hallmark of governance under the Modi Government.


NK Singh, Chairperson 15th Finance Commission says PM Modi has always discouraged fiscal laxity and the ‘Freebie Culture’ and promoted fiscal rectitude. He always believed that if our macroeconomic fundamentals are strong with a low CAD, large foreign reserves and low debt serviceability, India will prosper. Hence, even during the pandemic PM Modi prevented the public exchequer to indulge in the freebie culture that would create large and unserviceable debts.


Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra mentions PM Modi’s vision for a ‘Transformative Infrastructure’ of India. He said PM Modi has brought in the concept of retrofitting in smart cities which is a very practical approach. The very idea of a city was transformed when PM Modi emphasized on not only construction of roads but also the construction of toilets including solid and liquid waste disposal management to improve the quality of cities and the performance on these indicators enabling an efficient transitioning of cities to smart cities.


Dr RS Sharma, CEO National Health Authority mentions how PM Modi possesses the grand vision of creating ‘Digital India’ and associated infrastructure. PM Modi always aimed to build India as a digital economy and a knowledge power.