India, Jan. 29 -- Just weeks after earning a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for leading the largest Hindustani Classical band performing a single composition, senior flautist Pandit Ronu Majumdar has now earned a state honour - the Padma Shri, which is the third-highest civilian award in India. "I am so thankful to our government and our Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji. I can't believe I've been honoured with the Padma Shri," says Pandit Majumdar, who make history a few days ago by leading a symphony of 546 musicians at the Gwalior Fort.

Sharing how being a Padma award recipient feels like, he adds, "It's so fulfilling and humbling to be honoured for your work. I credit it all to the blessings of my father and guru...