How a former dentistry student became a global voice for environmental and social change
In short: Ricky Kej is a three-time Grammy winner who traded a career in dentistry for music. Today, he uses his compositions to advocate for climate action and sustainability, collaborating with world leaders and hundreds of international artists to turn complex global challenges into accessible, consciousness-raising melodies for audiences everywhere.
Born in North Carolina in 1981 and raised in Bangalore, India, Ricky Kej initially pursued a degree in dentistry. However, he eventually abandoned the medical field to focus on music, a path that led him to become a prominent composer and environmental activist. His work is deeply rooted in Hindustani classical traditions, though he frequently blends these foundations with global musical styles to reach a wider audience. Kej has received significant recognition for his efforts, including the Padma Shri in 2025 and multiple Grammy Awards for his albums, such as Divine Tides and Winds of Samsara.
Kej’s commitment to environmental advocacy is central to his artistic identity. As a UNCCD Land Ambassador and a supporter of various international organizations, he uses his music to highlight issues like land degradation and climate change. His 2015 album, Shanti Samsara, was launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference and involved over 300 contributors, including various global artists and political figures. Similarly, his 2018 project, My Earth Songs, aligns 27 compositions with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, aiming to educate students on sustainability. These songs have been integrated into millions of Indian school textbooks.
Beyond his environmental work, Kej holds a Guinness World Record for leading the largest singing lesson, which involved 13,944 indigenous children performing the Indian National Anthem. His collaborative approach often bridges cultural divides, as seen in his work with artists like Stewart Copeland and Peter Gabriel. Whether performing at the United Nations General Assembly or releasing music in the public domain to ensure accessibility, Kej consistently positions his art at the intersection of social responsibility and creative innovation. His recent work, such as the 2024 album Break of Dawn, continues this trend by exploring the therapeutic potential of music for mental health.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Ricky Kej
- Also: Wikidata — Ricky Kej · CC0
- Also: www.unccd.int — Ricky Kej
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