India, Nov. 26 -- As American singer-musician Jon Batiste walked onto the stage and took his seat at the piano at Delhi's Bharat Mandapam, the audience erupted in cheers and applause, leaving the Grammy Award winner visibly moved. He folded his hands in gratitude, acknowledging the warm welcome. What began as a solo performance gradually evolved into a collective night of music, with a room full of strangers becoming his choir.

Inside the Planetary Hall, the ambience felt otherworldly. The auditorium remained in complete darkness except for a single spotlight resting on Batiste and his piano. The stillness created a classical, almost spiritual atmosphere, drawing every eye to the stage. Each time his fingers moved across the keys with br...