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February 16, 2025 – Roberta Flack, the legendary singer, songwriter, and musician, was honored with the Sri Chinmoy Culture-Light Award in a special ceremony at her residence in New York. Recognized for her profound contributions to music and her ability to inspire millions worldwide, Roberta Flack received this prestigious award for her artistry and dedication to uplifting humanity through song.
Classically trained and celebrated as the first artist to win the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in two consecutive years, Flack has consistently used her exceptional talent to express deeply-felt messages that resonate across generations. Her music has encouraged listeners to explore their inner worlds while embracing the beauty of life.
Reflecting on her journey, Flack once shared, “I want to keep my feet on the ground and let my spirit soar.” This powerful sentiment was later set to music by Sri Chinmoy, the spiritual leader, composer, and humanitarian after whom the award is named.
The Sri Chinmoy Culture-Light Award, directed by Ranjana Ghose, celebrates individuals who illuminate the human mind through music, art, literature, statesmanship, and sport. Previous recipients include Archbishop Desmond Tutu, President Mikhail Gorbachev, and American composer Philip Glass. The award’s crystal features an etching of Sri Chinmoy’s world-harmony painting, Unity, adorned with his signature peace-bird drawings – symbols he frequently incorporated into his artistic and literary works to represent the soul’s boundless journey.
Alongside the award, Flack was presented with a certificate featuring the following poem by Sri Chinmoy, which beautifully encapsulates both her artistic vision and her life’s work:
God never encouraged me
To learn the world-denial-song.
On the contrary,
He inspired, encouraged
And blessed me
To sing the world-acceptance-song
And dance the world-transformation-dance.
– Sri Chinmoy
The ceremony also included a heartfelt birthday celebration for Roberta Flack, to whom the community extended warm wishes. A special slideshow, created by Vyakulata and Gesiane, beautifully highlighted the occasion.
With this recognition, Roberta Flack joins a distinguished list of honorees whose creativity and dedication continue to inspire and uplift the world. Her music remains a beacon of hope, reminding us all of the power of song to unite hearts and transcend boundaries.
To find out more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit the official website: www.srichinmoy.org