Newsdesk – The First recipient of Lata Deenanath Award is Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He was in Mumbai on Sunday to receive the award. The Lata Deenanath Award is instituted in the memory of legendary singer, Lata Mangeshkar, well known as  ‘Nightingale of India’.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi  received the Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar on the occasion of the 80th death anniversary of Master Deenanath Mangeshkar who was father of the  singing legend.

After receiving award, PM said the music is the symbol of oneness. Lata was like an elder sister. She will not be present in coming Rakhi festival after decades of timespan, he added. PM Modi dedicated the award to the countrymen and said that when award is on the name of elder sister like Lata Didi. So, it is not possible for me to not accept it. Lata didi taught generations love and compassion with her melodious songs and voice, he said.

PM said “Music can give you felling of motherhood and love” “Music can take you to pinnacle of duty and patriotism” The award is conferred by Lata’s sisters Asha Bhonsle, Meena Khadikar and Usha Mangeshkar. Asha Bhonsle also remembered her sister humming ‘Aayega Aanewala’  on the occasion , the composition is originally  sung by Lata in film ‘Mahal’. Lata Mangeshkar died in February this year following multiple organ failure. She was also honoured with the titles of ‘Queen of melody’ and ‘Voice of Millennium’.

In a statement issued by Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Smruti Pratishthan Charitable Trust said the award would be given every year to an individual with pathbreaking and examplary services towards mankind and humanity.