Dalai Lama presented Grammy Award by Ustad Amjad Ali Khan for ‘Meditations’ audio album
Tibetan spiritual leader the 14th Dalai Lama was formally presented with the prestigious Grammy Award at his residence in Dharamshala on June 3, 2026, in a ceremony that brought together spirituality, music and cultural harmony. The award was handed over by internationally acclaimed sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, who was accompanied by his sons, Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash. Renowned music producer and author Kabir Sehgal was also present during the special occasion.
Grammy-Winning Album Celebrates Compassion and Humanity
The Grammy was awarded in the category of Best Audio Book, Narration & Storytelling Recording for the album Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The award is considered one of the highest honours in the global music industry and is often compared to the Academy Awards in the world of cinema.
The album is a unique collaboration that blends the Dalai Lama’s reflections on compassion, peace, self-awareness and the oneness of humanity with the rich sounds of Indian classical music. Through spoken-word narration and carefully composed musical arrangements, the project offers listeners an immersive journey into mindfulness and inner peace.
The award-winning album emerged from a creative partnership between the Dalai Lama, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and his sons. The collaboration was inspired by a shared belief in the power of art and spirituality to transcend cultural, religious and geographical boundaries.
By bringing together profound spiritual teachings and classical Indian musical traditions, the album seeks to encourage reflection, empathy and understanding in an increasingly interconnected world. The project highlights how music can serve as a bridge between diverse communities while promoting universal human values.
To celebrate the formal presentation of the Grammy Award, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and his sons performed special sarod compositions in honour of the Dalai Lama. The performance added a deeply personal and artistic dimension to the ceremony, reflecting the spirit of the album itself. Addressing the media, Amjad Ali Khan expressed his gratitude for being part of the historic moment. “It’s a great honour to be here to offer a Grammy Award to His Holiness the Dalai Lama,” he said. Emphasising the transformative power of music, the maestro added, “Music breaks boundaries and connects hearts. The peace in His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s voice is the true recipient of this Grammy.”
The recognition of Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama extends beyond artistic achievement. The album has been widely appreciated for presenting messages of compassion, kindness and human unity through a format that is accessible to audiences across the world.
- PTC PUNJABI
