Grammy winner Ricky Cage receives Padma Shri, calls it “verification for my entire career”

Grammy-winning music composer and environmentalist Ricky Cage was awarded the Padma Sri Award by Mrs., the President of India, in 2025. For his significant contribution to art, Draupadi Murmu. The Cage, the three -time Grammy Award winner and the four -time candidate expressed deep gratitude for the prestigious recognition from their country.Padma Shri: A career long recognitionOn receiving the Padma Shri, Ricky Cage clarified the unique importance of this award compared to his previous appreciation. “I have won three Grammy Awards in the past and all the awards I have won have always been for a specific project. But Padma Shri is like a verification for my entire career to win and whatever I have done so far. This seems to be really special to be honored by my own country. There are no words to describe how special it seems … ”he said. Cage further said that his music is not the mainstream, emphasizing that he “makes music from the heart, and only when I feel like making.” He appreciated that the Padma Awards are becoming “People’s Padma”, which is focusing on the ground impact and hearty artistry rather than only popularity or viral ideas.Global recognition and environmental advocacy.Beyond its music achievements, Ricky Cage has a strong international appearance, which has performed in more than 35 countries including the United Nations Headquarters in New York and Geneva. In October 2023, he was appointed by the then President Csaba Körösi as the United Nations “Sadbhavana Ambassador” (UnCCD) at the United Nations General Assembly, which outlines his commitment to environmental advocacy.Overview of 2025 Padma AwardsThe Padma Awards are among the highest civilian honors of India, recognizing individuals for their outstanding work in various fields. In 2025, a total of 139 persons were selected for the awards, including a pair, who shared an award. Among the recipients, 7 Padma Vibhan Award winners, 19 Padma Bhushan recipients and 113 persons were honored with Padma Shri. In particular, thirteen of these awards were awarded posthumously.Among the posthumous Padma Vibhan recipients, Mount Vasudevan Nair, the famous Malayalam writer, who died on December 25, 2024, was recognized for his immense contribution to literature and education. His novel Nalukutu is considered a classic in Malayalam literature.Bihar’s legendary folk singer Sharda Sinha celebrated for the songs of his Chhath festival, also honored with Padma Vibhan. He died on November 5, 2024 at 72 pm.Pankaj Udhas, respected ghazal and playback singer, who died on February 26, 2024, received Padma Vibhan for her indelible contribution to music.