Ricky Kej Thanks PM Narendra Modi After Padma Shri Win: ‘This Is A New India; We No Longer Sit…’

Ricky Kej said that this is a new beginning for him and the best is yet to come.

Ricky Kej has thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for honouring him with the Padma Shri Award. He said that the award is not an end goal for him but marks a new beginning in his career. He said that the Prime Minister has created an atmosphere where international artists are encouraged and their talent is acknowledged.

Taking to X, Ricky Kej wrote, “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.”

“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,” he added.

For the unversed, on the eve of Republic Day, the central government unveiled the names of unsung heroes and achievers who will receive the prestigious Padma Awards, the country’s highest civilian honours. The Padma Awards are conferred in three categories – Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri.

A total of 139 names were announced- seven for Padma Vibhushan, 19 for Padma Bhushan, and 113 for Padma Shri. The awardees were recognised for their excellence in diverse fields like art, social work, science, medicine, and more, highlighting their contributions across various sectors.