Nation is mourning the loss of Nightingale of India Lata Mangeshkar who passed away this morning at the age of 92 due to multiple organ failure. The final journey of the legendary singer has begun from her residence Prabhu Kunj to Shivaji Park in Mumbai. The mortal remains of the Queen of Melody will be consigned to flames at Shivaji Park with full state honours on Sunday evening. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be attending the funeral of the veteran singer.
Bharat Ratna Awardee, Lata Mangeshkar was admitted to Breach Candy hospital in Mumbai on 8th of January after she was diagnosed with COVID-19. The renowned playback singer was put on ventilator support after her condition worsened yesterday. The government has declared a two-day national mourning as mark of respect to the departed soul. During state mourning national flag will be flown at half mast throughout the country. Maharashtra government has also declared public holiday tomorrow due to demise of the veteran singer.
Lata was born on 28th of September, 1929 to a Marathi and Konkani musician Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar and Shevanti Mangeshkar.
SeveralPolitical leaders have expressed deep affection for the singer. President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other leaders have expressed grief on the demise of the doyen of the Indian playback singing.
President Kovind said Lata-ji’s demise is heartbreaking for him as well as millions of people the world over. He said, in Lata Mangeshkar’s vast range of songs, rendering the essence and beauty of India, generations found expression of their innermost emotions. Mr Kovind said, Bharat Ratna, Lata-ji’s accomplishments will remain incomparable.
The Vice President said, India has lost its voice in the death of Lata ji, who has enthralled music lovers in India and across the globe with her mellifluous and sublime voice for many decades.
Prime Minister Modi said, Lata Didi’s songs brought out a variety of emotions and she closely witnessed the transitions of the Indian film world for decades. Mr Modi said, beyond films, she was always passionate about India’s growth and always wanted to see a strong and developed India.
The Prime minister said, he has always received immense affection from Lata Didi and interactions with her will remain unforgettable. Mr Modi said, she leaves a void in our nation that cannot be filled and the coming generations will remember her as a stalwart of Indian culture, whose melodious voice had an unparalleled ability to mesmerise people.
Home Minister, Amit Shah said, with her melodious and mesmerizing voice, she filled the lives of every generation not only in India but all over the world with the sweetness of Indian music.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also condoled the demise of the Legendary singer. BJP President JP Nadda, said it is an irreparable loss to the entire art world. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said her golden voice is immortal and will continue to echo in the hearts of her fans.
The who is who of the film industry is under grief at the demise of the great singer. Veteran actor Dharmendra said he had very cordial relations with Lata Mangeshkar.
Global leaders and diplomats also extended their condolences on the demise of ‘Melody Queen of India’. Bangladesh President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of the legendary singer of the sub-continent.
Calling Lata Mangeshkar as ‘Sur-samraggi’, empress of music, Prime Minister Hasina in her condolence message said that she will remain alive forever in the hearts of the people in the region through her works.
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa also expressed grief on the demise of veteran singer. In his message, President Rajapaksa said, Lata Mangeshkar’s songs transcended borders and gave life to the phrase ‘music is a universal language’.
France’s ambassador to India, Emmanuel Lenain, ina tweet said, he was deeply saddened by Lata Mangeshkar’s death and referenced the Officier de la Legion d’Honneur, France’s highest civilian award, which it conferred on Nightingale of India” in 2007.
German Ambassador to India, Walter J. Lindner paid tribute to the Lata Mangeshkar, saying, she was a legend and an irreplaceable voice who remained an institution of music for seven decades and her legacy will live forever.
