Obituary: Lt. Shri Kaajee Singh (25th July 1945 – 21st January 2025).

With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Lt. Shri Kaajee Singh, a Padma Shri awardee, eminent musician, and pioneer of Nepali Gorkha folk music, on 21st January 2025 at the age of 79. Born on 25th July 1945 in Phoobsering Tea Estate, Darjeeling, Lt. Kaajee Singh dedicated his life to the preservation, promotion, and innovation of Nepali Gorkha music and culture, particularly through his mastery and documentation of the traditional musical instrument, the Maadal.
Hailing from a family of musical heritage, Kaajee Singh was the only son of the legendary Maadala acharya Late Indrajeet Singh Sardaar and Mohanphul Singh. Following the footsteps of his father, he passionately carried forward the family's legacy in music. Educated at St. Robert’s School, Darjeeling, and later earning the Sangeet Prabhakar degree in vocal music from Mumbai, he exhibited unparalleled dedication to Nepali folk music from an early age.
A Pioneer in Nepali Folk Music Kaajee Singh’s contributions to music were ground breaking. In 1967, he embarked on rigorous research on the Shree Maadal and its “Notation System,” leading to the publication of his first book, Maadal, in 1974. Over the years, he authored several acclaimed books, including SangeetSarovar (1986), Sangeet for Beginners (1988), Birsiyeko Sanskriti Pheri Dohorvaaun (1998), and Shaastreeya Eivam Vyavahaarik Paksha (2014).

He introduced new Taals to the Maadal tradition, such as the 14-beat “Deodeep,” and composed unique Raagas and Chhandas that enriched Nepali folk music beyond measure. His musical genius also resonated in Bollywood, where he worked as a Maadal player with renowned music directors like Laxmikant Pyare lal, Shankar-Jai kishan, and Kalyanji-Anandji.

In 1986, Kaajee Singh joined Tashi Namgyal Academy (TNA), Gangtok, as a music teacher, dedicating 30 years of service to nurturing young talents in Sikkim. His performances at royal celebrations and state events earned him widespread recognition as "Kaajee Sir." Post-retirement in 2016, he continued to inspire through his Musicians’ Club and Library in Phoobsering Tea Estate, Darjeeling.

In recognition of his unparalleled contributions, Lt. Kaajee Singh was conferred the prestigious Padma Shri Award in 2021-22. His work has left an indelible mark on the Nepali Gorkha community, preserving and revitalizing traditional music for future generations. His popular songs, such as Timi Ta Raichau Mangaley GaonKo and Swami Raja Ley Lai Lai, remain timeless and continue to inspire the younger generation.

Kaajee Singh is survived by his wife, Ganga Singh, his daughter Vijaya Singh, and his son Nishaant Singh. Vijaya is a teacher at TNA, while Nishaant, a Pakhawaj maestro, has earned national and international acclaim.

The people of Sikkim and the Gorkha community will forever remember Kaajee Singh’s invaluable contributions to music and culture. His departure leaves an irreplaceable void, but his legacy will continue to illuminate the path for future generations.

May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his family find strength in this time of profound loss.