By Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network—Mumbai (RD/CN)
Mumbai, Jan 23: The Governor of Maharashtra K Sankaranarayanan on Saturday January 22 described Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar as a ‘Vishwa Ratna’ and added that her soulful music transcended geographical borders of countries.
“There is hardly any Indian language in which Lata has not sung. Her music is as popular in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and other countries as it is in India. She is the icon of at least three generations,” the Governor said.
He was speaking after presenting the Sri Chanrasekarendra Saraswathi National Eminence Award to 80-year-old Lata Mangeshkar for her lifetime services to music in a function held at Shanmukhananda Hall here on Saturday.
The award, instituted by the South Indian Education Society was also presented to Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev and scientist Professor Arvind Gupta in the presence of Swami Shankaracharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham Jayendra Saraswati.
The award comprises a citation, a brass lamp weighing 55 kg and a cheque of Rs 2.5 lac.
Addressing a large gathering on the occasion, Governor Sankaranarayanan said, “Even though India is acknowledged by the world as an emerging economic power, the world is still to accept India’s supremacy in the field of art, fine art, music, and other areas.” Quoting Vivekananda, the Governor said India has the potential to become a ‘jagat–guru’ of men and nations. He called upon the youth to involve themselves in nation building.