Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Dr. Mohan Yadav, conferring the National Lata Mangeshkar Alankaran Award 2026 on music director Shri Shantanu Moitra, highlighted Lata Mangeshkar's versatility and her profound impact on Indian music.
During a ceremony in Indore, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav virtually attended and conferred the prestigious National Lata Mageshkar Alankaran Award 2026 on renowned music director Shri Shantanu Moitra. Culture Director Shri N.P. Namdev delivered the welcome address and read out the citation. Dr. Yadav stated that the award, instituted in the name of Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar, is comparable to a prestigious international honor. He expressed pride in having a legendary artist like Lata Mangeshkar hailing from Madhya Pradesh.
In his address, Dr. Yadav praised Lata Mageshkar's versatility, saying her songs continue to be cherished for devotion and patriotism, as well as friendship, joy, love, and separation. He added that her singing reflected the blessings of Goddess Saraswati. Lata Mangeshkar lent her voice to thousands of songs in more than 30 languages and dialects, displaying remarkable versatility across classical, light, devotional, and folk music.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav noted that her voice remained remarkably consistent and her diction exceptionally clear throughout her career. He said, ‘Her rendition often seemed as though Goddess Saraswati herself was singing among us.’ The Chief Minister also pointed out that her patriotic songs continue to evoke deep feelings of national pride during Independence Day and other national occasions. He added that festivals such as Ganesh Utsav and Navratri also seem incomplete without her songs.
Dr. Yadav praised Shri Shantanu Moitra's contribution to music, mentioning some of his popular compositions such as the song from Khel Khel Mein that inspires energy and hope among young people, Bawra Mann Dekhne Chala Ek Sapna that has left a lasting impression on listeners, Shiv Tandav Stotram renditions, and Ram-Siya bhajans.
The Chief Minister also stated that honoring such talented artists is also a matter of pride for the Madhya Pradesh government. He added that the land of Malwa has always honored talent, and the event carries forward this rich tradition.
Dr. Yadav emphasized Madhya Pradesh's rich cultural legacy, shaped by great literary figures such as Mahakavi Kalidasa and Rashtrakavi Ramdhari Singh Dinkar and enriched by numerous eminent personalities from literature, music, art, and cinema. The state’s vibrant cultural heritage continues to inspire generations and contribute to India’s rich artistic and literary tradition. From Kalidasa’s Meghaduta to contemporary creative expression, he said, Madhya Pradesh has a rich and vibrant cultural journey.
Shri Shantanu Moitra expressed his gratitude for receiving the award at Lata Mangeshkar's birthplace on her birthday. Recalling his experience of working with Lata Mangeshkar in a studio, Moitra said she approached even a four-line song with complete seriousness, preparation, and dedication. The greatest lessons he learned from her, he said, were honesty towards one’s work, discipline, and a commitment to excellence.
The award ceremony was followed by a musical evening featuring Sachet-Parampara and their troupe, who enthralled the audience with a series of melodious performances. Attendees included Water Resources Minister Shri Tulsiram Silawat, MP Shri Shankar Lalwani, Divisional Commissioner Shri Bhaskar Lakshakar, Collector Shri Shivam Verma, MLAs Shri Ramesh Mendola, Smt. Malini Gaur and Shri Madhu Verma, Shri Shravan Singh Chavda, along with a large number of dignitaries and music lovers.
Source:
MPInfo English News
