The Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar award, instituted by the Master Deenanath Memorial Trust in Bombay, was presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 24th April at Shanmukhananda Hall in Bombay. He dedicated the award to the country and its people, saying, “Lata didi belonged to the masses and so does this award.” He is the first recipient of the award which will be given to individuals for achieving excellence in their fields.
Modi described Lata Mangeshkar, after whose demise in February this year, the award has been started, as the personification of a spiritual and cultural shakti (force) that evoked patriotism, duty, valour as well as detachment in her countrymen. He added that he considered himself fortunate to have received her love and affection. Lata’s sisters presented the award jointly to the PM. Hridaynath Mangeshkar, brother of Lata, could not remain present at the ceremony as he was hospitalised for unknown reasons. Reportedly, he is faring well and is likely to be discharged in 10 days.
Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray skipped the function.