July 26 is celebrated as Kargil Vijay Diwas to commemorate the success of Operation Vijay. In 1999, India took command of the high outposts that had been lost to Pakistan during the Kargil War. As part of the celebrations of 20 years of Kargil Vijay Diwas, Grammy® award winner Ricky Kej put up a mega concert to over 10,000 people in Leh, Ladakh on July 23. Over 6,000 jawans were part of the audience at this gala event.
With the Shanti Stupa in the background, the Sonam Wangchuck Stadium turned into an illuminated venue where Ricky and his ensemble performed the Symphonic Musical Extravaganza. Performing popular musical pieces from his repertoire about our nation, environment, peace and co-existence, Ricky also performed a special version of Vande Mataram that he composed for the occasion. The evening was a magnificent musical tribute by the Grammy winner to the Kargil martyrs.
Major General Yashpal Singh Mor, General Officer Commanding said, "Cultural tribute to the Kargil Martyrs, our soldiers and citizens of Ladakh by Ricky Kej and his team of incredible artistes was scintillating and the highlight of the celebrations. It was a concert with a difference. Ladakh had never ever seen an event of this magnitude and quality. Ricky's music along with the backdrop of the iconic Shanti Stupa and Leh Palace, the energy, the vibrations was simply spectacular and the crowd was in awe. It was a sight to see our soldiers wanting more of his music. Overall an unforgettable experience! I salute Ricky's spirit and attitude towards the chosen cause and Kargil War Martyrs. Jai Hind."
Ricky was accompanied by noted artists from all over India like singers IP Singh, Alexis D’Souza, and Siddhartha, violinist Manoj, drummer Arunkumar, flautist and singer Varijashree and sitarist Sumarani.
Ricky who was thrilled to perform expressed his gratitude. He said, "I consider it my greatest honour to have had this opportunity to pay tribute to the martyrs of our land. Performing and entertaining our soldiers is the least I can do to show my deepest gratitude for risking their lives unconditionally to safeguard ours. After performing in every nook and corner of the world, I have never been this excited, honored (and nervous) about a concert! It has been an absolute dream-come-true." He further added, "Just standing still at an altitude of 12,000 ft takes your breath away, let alone performing in these conditions! It has definitely been the most challenging, at the same time most fulfilling concert of my life yet. I salute our Indian Army for bearing these extreme weather conditions to selflessly guard our land."