BHUBANESWAR, AUG 20
The musical rendition of India’s National Anthem, crafted by the internationally renowned three-time Grammy Award winner Ricky Kej in collaboration with the students of Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), has not only achieved a Guinness World Record but has also captured the hearts of millions across the globe.
Released ceremoniously on August 14th, just ahead of Independence Day, this groundbreaking music piece featured a constellation of India’s musical legends, including renowned flautist Hariprasad Chaurasia, acclaimed sarod maestros Aman and Ayaan Ali Khan, and celebrated santoor virtuoso Rahul Sharma. The project’s launch saw a surge of media attention, with extensive coverage across print, electronic, digital, radio, and social media platforms.
The anthem’s global reach was unprecedented, with an astounding 800 million viewers tuning in from various continents. Notable viewership figures were recorded across major platforms: Times Entertainment (6 crore), News-18 (10 crore), ANI (3 crore), Daily Hunt (24 crore), India Today (6 crore), News-9 Live (2 crore), Business Today (4 crore), The Telegraph (5 crore), IBC-24 (3 crore), ETV Bharat (12 crore), Republic TV (2 crore), and DD (2 crore), reflecting its broad appeal.
KIIT and KISS Founder Achyuta Samanta commended Ricky Kej for his dedication and artistry over the six-month production period. Samanta praised Kej’s commitment to making the project a monumental success and lauded his decision to include KISS students, thereby showcasing the talents of Odisha on a global stage.
The project not only highlights the rich musical heritage of India but also signifies a monumental achievement in cultural diplomacy, resonating with audiences worldwide.
