New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today received the Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar on the occasion of the 80th death anniversary of Master Deenanath Mangeshkar, the singing legend's father, news agency PTI reported.
He dedicated the award to all the Indians.
"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," PM Modi said.
Earlier in a statement, the family and the Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Smruti Pratishthan charitable trust said they have decided to institute the award from this year onwards in the honour and memory of Lata Mangeshkar, who passed away in February following multiple organ failure. She was 92.
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PM Modi had paid his condolences to the iconic singer, whom he considered his elder sister, at her burial in Mumbai.
Every year, the Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar will be awarded to one person who has made outstanding, spectacular, and exceptional achievements to the country, its people, and society.
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The Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Awards aim to honour legends from the field of music, drama, art, medical and social work.
"In memory of Master Deenanathji, whose monumental contributions as a singer, musician and stage artiste have been an inspiration to the people of Maharashtra and India, the Mangeshkar family organises the Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Smruti Pratishthan Awards to honour legends. We are glad that we have the love and support of the masses," veteran musicians Hridaynath Mangeshkar and Usha Mangeshkar said in a joint statement.
(With PTI Inputs)