India, May 29 -- Three-time Grammy winner Ricky Kej was honoured with the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award, by President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi on Tuesday. "The moment I received the Padma Award, it was a complete blur. Once my name was called out, I decided to collect the award barefoot. It felt like I was in a temple. So many unsung heroes were celebrated, people working on the grassroots and just going about their amazing work in various fields with little pomp and show. To be among them was overwhelming," says Ricky. The artiste, who touched Prime Minister Narendra Modi's feet before receiving the honour, adds, "I make no secret of it - the PM has been absolutely instrumental in the fulfilment I get from my music career." Ricky's all-black outfit has been creating buzz, too. Ask about his ensemble and the composer says, "I wore a simple black dhoti with a gold zari highlight. The achkan was a self-designed asymmetric jacket. I wore earrings inspired by folk musicians in Rajasthan." As someone with multiple accolades to his credit, does the Padma Shri feel different? "I have won three Grammys and over 100 music awards, but all those were for a specific project, album or song. The Padma Shri is for my career as a whole, and it has been awarded by my own nation. So it's my most valuable ever. It has motivated me to continue doing what I do, with more enthusiasm - make music for positive social impact and make this world a better place," replies Ricky, who was accompanied by his mother, Pammi Kej, to the ceremony. "My mum had not accompanied me for any of my Grammy wins, but was extremely eager to share this moment with me. She was overjoyed, probably even more excited than me. When my name was called out she stood up and clapped the loudest. Hopefully, she will now be fine with me not becoming a doctor," he laughs....