The Healing Power of ‘Triveni’ and a Journey from Boardrooms to Bhajans

Can music transcend borders, heal souls, and awaken something divine within us? Can the ancient wisdom of the Vedas be reimagined in a way that speaks to the modern world? And what happens when a global business leader chooses the path of art, devotion, and self-discovery?

At the 67th Grammy Awards, history was made. Indian-American musician, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Chandrika Tandon claimed the prestigious Grammy for Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album with her soul-stirring masterpiece, ‘Triveni’. A fusion of ancient Vedic chants, global musical influences, and profound meditative depth, Triveni is more than just an album — it is a sonic pilgrimage into the self, a confluence of sound, spirit, and healing.

This victory wasn’t just a personal milestone for Tandon but a moment of pride for India and the global diaspora. With its roots deep in the Samaveda traditions and its wings spread across international soundscapes, Triveni is a testament to the power of music as a universal healer.

From Boardrooms to Bhajans:
The Unconventional Journey of Chandrika Tandon

Born and raised in Chennai in a traditional, middle-class South Indian family, Chandrika Tandon’s early years were immersed in the ancient Vedic chants and Carnatic music that played in the background of her home. The teachings of the Samaveda, one of the oldest scriptures in the world, formed the foundation of her spiritual and musical upbringing.

Despite this deep cultural and musical environment, her path initially led her to the world of business and finance. A graduate of the prestigious IIM Ahmedabad, she shattered barriers in corporate America, becoming the first Indian-American woman partner at McKinsey & Co. and later founding Tandon Capital Associates, a firm dedicated to corporate restructuring.

But Tandon’s soul yearned for something beyond balance sheets and boardroom strategies. The power of music kept calling her back. She trained under the classical stalwarts Shubhra Guha and Girish Wazalwar, rediscovering the sacred vibrations that once filled her childhood home. The pull was so strong that she eventually transitioned full-time into the world of music, proving that passion and purpose could coexist in harmony.

‘Triveni’: A Sonic Confluence of Cultures & Healing

Named after the sacred confluence of three rivers, Triveni is a metaphor for the album’s artistic vision — a merging of ancient Indian spiritual chants with global musical traditions. Collaborating with renowned musicians like South African flautist Wouter Kellerman and Japanese cellist Eru Matsumoto, Tandon crafted an album that is both deeply traditional and strikingly innovative.

With just seven tracks, Triveni takes listeners on a meditative journey, offering a refuge from the chaos of modern life. The album blends the powerful vibrations of Vedic chants with orchestral and world music elements, creating a listening experience that is both therapeutic and transformative.

Each track serves a specific purpose — to heal, to elevate, to invoke inner peace. Drawing from the timeless Sanskrit mantras, Triveni is designed to resonate with the body’s energy centers, offering spiritual alignment and emotional tranquility.

As Chandrika Tandon eloquently put it in her Grammy acceptance speech:

"Music is love,
music ignites the light within all of us,
and even in our darkest days,
music spreads joy and laughter."

Beyond The Grammys: A Legacy of Giving & Impact

Chandrika Tandon is not just a musician or an entrepreneur—she is a force of nature, a visionary, and a philanthropist. Alongside her husband Ranjan Tandon, she has made monumental contributions to education and the arts. In 2015, they donated $100 million to the New York School of Engineering, now proudly called the Tandon School of Engineering.

Tandon’s philosophy is simple but profound: True success is measured by the impact one creates. Whether through empowering young minds, funding education, or using music as a tool for healing, she continues to inspire across multiple domains.

A Milestone for India & The Global Indian Diaspora

Her Grammy win is particularly significant as it shines a global spotlight on Indian spiritual music. She stood alongside fellow nominees like Ricky Kej, Anoushka Shankar, and Radhika Vekaria, proving that Indian-origin artists are making an indelible mark on the world stage.

While her sister, Indra Nooyi, became one of the most influential women in corporate history as the former CEO of PepsiCo, Chandrika Tandon carved a different but equally impactful path—one that bridges business, art, and spirituality.

The Future of Healing Through Music

With Triveni, Tandon has not only won a Grammy but also redefined the genre of healing music. Her work serves as a blueprint for the future of wellness, where ancient wisdom meets modern sound engineering to create something truly transformative.

As the world grapples with stress, anxiety, and disconnection, the need for such music has never been greater. Triveni is not just an album — it is a movement, a reminder that healing is possible, that sound has the power to uplift, and that music is the bridge between the material and the divine.

Final Thoughts: A Call to Reflect

Why do we chase material success when true fulfillment lies in something deeper? Why do we neglect the ancient wisdom that has the power to heal, transform, and inspire? Can music be the medicine we all need in an increasingly chaotic world?

Chandrika Tandon’s journey from the corridors of IIM Ahmedabad to the grand stage of the Grammy Awards is a testament to the limitless possibilities that arise when passion meets purpose. Her music is a reminder that amidst the noise of life, there exists a sacred sound — one that connects us to ourselves, to each other, and to something far greater.

Perhaps, it is time to pause, listen, and allow that sound to guide us home.