Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to be honored with the first Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award at the 80th annual Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Awards ceremony on Sunday (April 24). The award was instituted in the memory and honor of legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar who passed away at the age of 92 years in Mumbai earlier this year.
The Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Smruti Pratishthan charitable trust, in a statement said, "This award will be given every year to only one individual who has made path-breaking, spectacular and exemplary contributions to our nation, its people, and our society."
PM Modi will receive the award for selfless service to the nation and society. "He is an international statesman who has put India on the path of global leadership. The spectacular progress that has, and, is taking place in every aspect and dimension of our beloved nation is driven and inspired by him. He is indeed one of the greatest leaders our great nation has seen in its glorious history of thousands of years," the statement read.
PM Modi had attended Lata Mangeshkar's funeral in Mumbai to pay his last respects to the legendary singer.
April 24 marks the 80th death anniversary of Master Deenanath Mangeshkar, the singing legend's father. The award ceremony will take place at Mumbai's Shanmukhanand Hall.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend a program in Kashmir. After that event, he will arrive in Mumbai. He will receive the coveted award from Usha Mangeshkar. Security has been beefed up in Mumbai in view of the Prime Minister's visit, said State Home Minister Dilip Walse-Patil.
(With agency inputs)
