Kolkata, West Bengal, August 29 – An extraordinary rendition of the Indian National Anthem has achieved a new milestone in the Guinness World Records. Conceptualized by Grammy-winning musician Ricky Kej and produced in collaboration with Kolkata-based cultural activist Sundeep Bhutoria, this rendition has been recognized as the “Largest Singing Lesson.” The record-setting event featured a choir of nearly 14,000 tribal children from Odisha, who performed together at the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences in Bhubaneswar.
“This project is a true celebration of India’s unity in diversity and represents a significant achievement in musical collaboration and cultural representation,” said Sundeep Bhutoria, Trustee of the Prabha Khaitan Foundation. “The collaboration between legendary artists and thousands of children from Odisha sends a powerful message about the strength of our cultural heritage. It has been an honor to be part of this historic moment.”
Ricky Kej echoed this sentiment, stating, “This project demonstrates the power of music in uniting people. It celebrates our diverse heritage and honors the spirit of Bharat. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together.”
The performance featured 14,000 children forming a human map of India and spelling out ‘Bharat’ in both Hindi and English, creating a striking visual representation of India’s cultural richness and the potential of its youth. The anthem has been released on various platforms by Universal Music India.
Following his achievement in 2023, where he conducted the largest-ever symphony orchestra (the 100-piece Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, UK) to perform the Indian National Anthem at Abbey Road Studios, London, Ricky Kej has once again raised the bar for musical excellence. The recording, released on August 14, the eve of India’s Independence Day, transcends a mere musical feat, embodying the unity and diversity that define the nation.
This monumental rendition not only marks a significant technical achievement in music but also serves as a heartfelt tribute to India’s cultural identity, illustrating the unifying power of music across boundaries.
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