Following his visit to Jammu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled to Mumbai to receive the Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award for the first time.
“Tomorrow evening, I will be in Mumbai where I will receive the first Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award. I am grateful and humbled by this honor associated with Lata Didi. She always dreamt of a strong and prosperous India and contributed to nation-building,” PM Modi said in a tweet.
The prize was established in memory and honour of the great singer, who died in Mumbai earlier this year at the age of 92.
The Prime Minister became emotional after receiving the honour, saying Lata Mangeshkar was like an older sister to her. He said, “For me, Lata didi was like an elder sister. I have always received immense love from her. After many decades, Lata didi will not be present in the coming Rakhi festival.”
The honour was given to all of Prime Minister Modi’s countrymen. “When the award is in the name of an elder sister like Lata Didi, it is a symbol of her oneness and love for me. So, it’s not possible for me to not accept it.”
Asha Bhosle, the legendary singer, paid tribute to her sister, Lata Mangeshkar, by humming the song “Aayega Aanewala.”
According to a statement from the family and the Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Smruti Pratishthan charity foundation, the award was established in memory of Lata Mangeshkar and will be granted every year to a person for exemplary service to nation-building.
“In memory of Master Deenanathji, whose monumental contributions as a singer, musician, and stage artiste have been an inspiration to the people of Maharashtra and India, the Mangeshkar family organizes the Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Smruti Pratishthan Awards to honour legends. We are glad that we have the love and support of the masses,” veteran musicians Hridaynath Mangeshkar and Usha Mangeshkar said in a joint statement.