Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated an intersection in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya, named after legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar on the occasion of her 93rd birth anniversary today. Paying his tribute to the singing maestro, PM Modi recollected some fond memories shared with her. He also spoke about how the singer's voice mesmerised him whenever he listened to her songs.
"On this occasion, I, on behalf of my countrymen, pay my heartfelt tributes to Bharat Ratna Lata Ji... I've a lot of pleasant memories with her, her voice used to mesmerize me every time. She called me in happiness when Bhoomi Poojan of Ayodhya's Ram temple got completed," said the Prime Minister during the occasion, as reported by ANI.
"The huge Veena of Maa Saraswati installed at Lata Mangeshkar Chowk in Ayodhya will become a symbol of musical harmony. The 92 white lotus of marble in the chowk complex depict Lata Ji's lifespan, said PM Modi.
The intersection, named 'Lata Mangeshkar Chauraha', on the banks of the Saryu river has been built at a cost of Rs 7.9 crore, officials told PTI.
A 40-foot-long, 12-metre-high 'veena' weighing 14 tonnes, was created by Padma Shri awardee Ram Sutar over a period of two months, has also been installed at the intersection. A picture of Goddess Saraswati, believed to be the Goddess of music in Hinduism has been engraved on the veena.
The intersection will be a popular destination for tourists and music fans alike. It is the first time such a massive musical instrument has been installed in the country, PTI reported.
Lata Mangeshkar was born on September 28, 1929 and began her career in 1942 at a young age of 13. In a career that spanned over seven decades, the music icon, known as the melody queen recorded songs for over a thousand Hindi films. She also recorded her songs in over 36 regional Indian and foreign languages.