New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (April 24) received the first Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award in Mumbai, reported ANI. 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.
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."
"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 not to accept. I dedicate this award to all the countrymen," said PM Modi.
The award has been instituted in memory and honour of the legendary singer who passed away at the age of 92 years in Mumbai earlier this year.
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."
(With ANI inputs)
