PM Modi receives first Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award in Mumbai

Mumbai, April 25: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the first Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award for his selfless service to the nation and society at the 80th annual Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Awards ceremony in Mumbai.

 

 

PM Modi received the award in presence of Usha Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Maharashtra governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Maharashtra Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis, among others. The award has been instituted in memory and honor of the legendary singer who passed away at the age of 92 years in Mumbai earlier this year.

 

PM while receiving the award said, "Lata didi was like my elder sister. She was an embodiment of Ma Saraswati. Music teaches Rashtra bhakti. Her voice inspired patriotism-Ae mere Watan Ke logo."

 

 

 

The Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Smruti Pratishthan Charitable Trust had said in a statement that the award will be given every year to an individual "who has made path-breaking, spectacular and exemplary contributions to our nation, its people and our society."

 

 

 

Modi received the award at Shanmukhanand Hall in Mumbai on Sunday, which marked the 80th death anniversary of Master Deenanath Mangeshkar, the singing legend's father.

 

"I generally keep myself away from such felicitation ceremonies. I cannot adjust myself (in such programmes). But when an award is named after an elder sister like Lata Mangeshkar, then it becomes an obligation for me to accept it because of the affection and right of the Mangeshkar family over me," the prime minister said in his award acceptance speech.

 

 

 

In a statement, the family and the Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Smruti Pratishthan had said they decided to institute the award beginning this year in the honour and memory of Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar, who breathed her last in February following multiple organ failure. She was 92.

 

"When I was contacted for this award, I told my assistants to confirm my presence at once. I informed my staff that I will plan other things later. I could not say no to such an event. I dedicate this award to all Indians," the prime minister added. He said Lata didi always used to say that a person becomes great by his deeds and not by age. "I think we all can learn from her thoughts," the PM said.

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