The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, on Sunday, April 24, 2022, attended the Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Awards Ceremony in Mumbai and on this occasion, he was conferred the first Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award. As per reports, this award, which has been instituted in memory of Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar, will be given every year exclusively to one individual for exemplary contribution towards nation building.
Governor of Maharashtra Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Members of Mangeshkar Family were among those present on the occasion.
PM Modi started by saying that though he does not have too deep a knowledge of music but by cultural appreciation, it is felt that sangeet is both a ‘sadhna’ and an emotion. “We are fortunate to have seen this capability and strength of music, in the form of Lata Didi”, he said. On a personal note, Shri Modi said “For me, Lata Didi was the ‘Sur Samragyi’ as well as my elder sister. What can be a greater privilege than to have received the love of a sister from Lata Didi, who has given the gift of love and emotion to generations," he said.
He added that he is generally not very comfortable with receiving awards but when the Mangeshkar Family calls with an award that carries the name of an elder sister like Lata Didi, then it becomes a symbol of her affection and love.
“It is not simply possible for me to say no to this. I dedicate this award to all the countrymen. As Lata Didi belonged to people, this award given to me in her name also belongs to people”, the Prime Minister said. The Prime Minister narrated many personal anecdotes and elaborated upon the immense contribution of Lata Didi to the cultural world. “Lata ji's physical journey was completed at a time when our country is celebrating Amrit Mahotsav of its freedom. She gave voice to India before independence, and the country's journey of these 75 years was also associated with her voice," said PM Modi.
He added that for India, development means Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas , Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas. This project also encompasses the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam’ welfare of all. Such a notion of development cannot be achieved by just material capabilities. For this spiritual consciousness is critically important. That is why, India is providing leadership in areas like yoga, Ayurveda and environment.
“I believe, our Indian music is also an important part of this contribution of India. Let us keep this heritage alive with the same values and carry it forward, and make it a medium of world peace," he said by concluded the speech.
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