Ricky Kej’s Be The Change pays tribute to Gandhi

On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, Grammy Award-winning musician Ricky Kej unveiled a new music video, titled Be The Change from the album Gandhi — Mantras of Compassion, a musical tribute to the life and ideals of Mahatma Gandhi.

The video features acclaimed speed-painter Vilas Nayak, accompanied by a 75-piece orchestra, creating a unique fusion of visual and musical storytelling. The album and its latest music video aim to celebrate the life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, highlighting his philosophy of non-violence, compassion, and social harmony.

Nayak brought Gandhi’s ideals to life on canvas in the video. The 75-piece orchestra added depth and emotion to the presentation, blending traditional and contemporary musical elements to complement Nayak’s artistic expressions. Taking to his Instagram handle, Kej shared the video and wrote in the caption, “On Gandhi’s birthday, here is a brand new music video from our album Gandhi - Mantras of Compassion. Featuring acclaimed speed-painter Vilas Nayak and a 75 piece orchestra. Here is Be The Change.”

Award-nominated cellist Tina Guo and Nobel Prize Laureate Kailash Satyarthi collaborate for the album, which was released on July 14. The musical album assembles the voices and talents of over 200 artistes worldwide to highlight Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence, peace, tolerance and environmental consciousness through music. “Mahatma Gandhi inspired generations of changemakers, from Martin Luther King Jr to Nelson Mandela. This album is our humble offering to keep that flame alive. Music has the power to transcend boundaries, just as Gandhi’s message did,” said Ricky Kej.

Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, whose life’s work has focused on children’s rights and peace, lends his voice and vision to the project. His collaboration underscores the album’s deeper mission to awaken global consciousness through art.

“Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on January 30th 1948. But the assassin did not know that some people never die. Gandhi is indeed one of them. His life lessons are universal and timeless. Gandhi will continue to guide us beyond geography, and through the ages,” said Kailash Satyarthi.