Former PepsiCo India CEO Indra Nooyi is recognized as one of the most influential women in the world. However, this time, the spotlight is not on Indra Nooyi for her achievements but on her sister, Chandrika Tandon, who has made India proud. Chandrika Tandon has won the prestigious Grammy Award, a historic moment not just for her but for every Indian. Residing in the USA, Chandrika has achieved what many musicians dream of—winning one of the highest honors in the world of music.
Although she is an exceptional musician, Chandrika Tandon's journey is marked by hard work and perseverance. In 2011, she was nominated for a Grammy Award but couldn’t secure the win. However, she took this as a challenge, worked harder, and finally turned her dream into reality.
A Middle-Class Background with Big Dreams
Chandrika Tandon hails from a middle-class family in Chennai. Since childhood, she had a deep interest in music, which led her to learn Carnatic music. She received formal training from renowned musicians Shubhra Guha and Girish Wazalwar. Despite her passion for music, she never compromised on her education. Chandrika excelled in academics and completed her post-graduation from IIM Ahmedabad before moving to the USA.
She became the first Indian woman to be a partner at McKinsey & Company and later founded her own firm, specializing in corporate restructuring. Alongside being an entrepreneur, she also pursued Hindustani and Western music training. The Grammy-winning album ‘Triveni’ is her sixth album. Apart from being a musician and entrepreneur, she is actively involved in philanthropy. In 2015, she and her husband, Ranjan Tandon, donated $100 million to the New York School of Engineering.
Music is Her Passion
Chandrika Tandon won the Grammy Award for her album ‘Triveni’, a collection of seven mesmerizing tracks that blend ancient Sanskrit chants with contemporary music. According to Chandrika, this album is designed to bring peace and healing to listeners. South African flutist Wouter Kellerman and Japanese cellist Eru Matsumoto also received this award alongside her. Upon receiving the Grammy, Chandrika Tandon expressed her belief in the transformative power of music, stating: "Music is a passion. It takes us away from darkness and into the light. It has a magical essence that can heal even the deepest wounds of the soul."
Prime Minister Congratulates Chandrika Tandon
India’s Prime Minister congratulated Chandrika Tandon on X (formerly Twitter), appreciating her dedication to music. He wrote: "I had the pleasure of meeting Chandrika Tandon in New York in 2023. Congratulations to her on winning the Grammy for her album ‘Triveni’! We take immense pride in her achievements as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and especially as a musician. It is commendable that she has remained deeply connected to Indian culture and continues to promote it globally. I fondly recall meeting her in New York in 2023."
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