Padma Shri Kajee Singh – In Memorium

Padma Shri Kajee Singh Sir is No More

With heavy hearts, we mourn the loss of Padma Shri Kajee Singh, a beloved icon of the Gorkha community, who passed away on earlier today. He leaves behind a rich legacy in the field of music, education, and cultural preservation.

Singh, a revered exponent of the Maadal, was a tireless advocate for the Gorkha musical traditions, and a true representative of the mountain people.

Born on July 25, 1945, in Phoobsering Tea Estate, Darjeeling, Kajee Singh’s lifelong dedication to the preservation and formalization of Nepali folk music began in his early years. The son of Maadalaacharya Indrajeet Singh Sardaar, he inherited a deep-rooted passion for music from his family, which had been cultivating the classical folk music tradition of the Gorkha community for generations. His father’s influence, along with his own keen interest in traditional culture, would shape his path and inspire him to bring the Maadal — a revered Nepali musical instrument — to the forefront of Indian music.

Singh’s musical journey spanned decades, beginning with his early career in dance and evolving into a distinguished career as a Maadal player in Bollywood. From 1974 to 1983, he worked alongside legends such as Laxmikant-Pyarelal, Kalyanji-Anandji, Shankar-Jaikishan, and Ram-Laxman, becoming the first Nepali artist to introduce the Maadal to Indian cinema. His contribution to Indian cinema and music is immeasurable, but his greatest passion was always his roots in the Nepali musical heritage.

As a teacher at the Tashi Namgyal Academy (TNA) in Gangtok, Sikkim, Singh’s influence shaped the lives of countless students for two decades, earning him the fond title of Kaajee Sir. He worked tirelessly to preserve the musical traditions of the Nepali Gorkha community, particularly the Shree Maadal, and played an instrumental role in formalizing its notation system.

His research culminated in his first book, Maadal (1974), which revolutionized the way the instrument was taught and understood, as well as several other publications that explored the nuances of Indian Classical music and Nepali folk traditions.

Singh’s contributions were not limited to musicology. He composed original Chhandas and Raagas, and his creation of the Deodeep Taal, a 14-matra rhythm system, further solidified his place as a visionary in the world of classical music. His works continue to inspire musicians and music lovers alike, not only within the Nepali community but across the global music landscape.

A passionate educator and mentor, Singh also founded a Musicians Club and Library in his hometown of Phoobsering, where he fostered an environment for musical learning and collaboration. His influence reached far beyond the concert stage or classroom—his efforts transformed how Nepali folk music was perceived and valued, creating a lasting impact on the cultural fabric of Sikkim, Darjeeling, and Kalimpong.

In recognition of his unmatched contributions to the musical world, Kajee Singh was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honor, in 2021. This accolade, which he dedicated to the people of Darjeeling, and Sikkim and the Gorkha community across India, was a testament to his lifelong commitment to advancing and preserving the musical traditions of his community.

Singh’s passing marks the end of an era for the Maadal and for Nepali music, but his legacy endures through the countless musicians, students, and music lovers he inspired. His family, including his children — daughter Vijaya Singh and son Nishaant Singh, who has carried forward his musical lineage as a distinguished Pakhawaj player — will continue to uphold his work and vision.

Kajee Singh leaves behind not only a treasure trove of musical compositions but a community forever grateful for his service, his vision, and his tireless dedication to the art. His contributions to Indian music have elevated the status of the Gorkha community and have brought national pride to his our region.

As we bid farewell to this extraordinary musician, we remember him not just for his achievements but for his love for music that transcended borders and generations.

Rest in Music Sir, you will be missed.