Bengaluru, Feb 17 (DHNS): The State government on Monday announced a purse of Rs 25 lacs to Ricky Kej, the winner of Grammy award for his collaborative album ‘Winds of Samsara.’

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah invited Ricky Kej to his home office and felicitated him for his achievement. Ricky was born in the US and lives in Bengaluru. He and his wife, Varsha, met the chief minister.

Siddaramaiah presented him with a traditional Mysuru peta (turban) and a shawl.

On the occasion, the chief minister announced the cash award. The music composer presented a copy of the compact disc of the ‘Winds of Samsara.’

Ricky, who took a selfie with his wife Varsha and Siddaramaiah, posted it on facebook. He said he was truly honoured by the chief minister’s invite to his house for winning the Grammy.

He said he is an admirer of Siddaramaiah, who believes that ‘State’ and ‘religion’ needs to be apart.

Siddaramaiah too posted a selfie with Ricky on his official Twitter account.