Mumbai, April 23: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be honoured with the first Lata Mangeshkar Award by the Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Memorial Foundation in Mumbai on Sunday. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) President Raj Thackeray will also be present on the occasion.
Deenanath Mangeshkar Pratishthan, Pune is a registered public charitable trust established 32 years ago by the Mangeshkar family. The foundation honours veterans in the fields of music, drama, art, medical professionals and social work. This year’s award ceremony will be held on Sunday at Sreeshanmukhanand Hall, Mumbai. 24 April is the memory day of Dinanath Mangeshkar and this award has been organized in his honour.
The demise of Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar on February 6 this year was the biggest tragedy for the Mangeshkar family. Families and Trusts (All family members are trustees of the establishment). The Foundation has decided to give the award in the memory of Bharat Ratna Lata Didi from this year.
The award will be known as the “Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award”, and will be presented every year on Dinanathji’s Memorial Day i.e. 24 April. This year is the 80th Memorial Day of Master Dinanathji. The “Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award” was announced on the occasion. This award will be given annually to the only person who has made an incomparable, brilliant and exemplary contribution to the country, people and society.
However, this is the first award to be presented by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. The function will be presided over by Usha Mangeshkar and the award winners will be felicitated with prizes. Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award – to Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Special Individual Award), Master Deenanath Award – to Rahul Deshpande (Indian Music), Master Deenanath Award, (Special Award) – Asha Parekh (Dedicated in the field of film) on behalf of the Foundation on Sunday Service), Master Deenanath Award – (Special Award) – Jackie Shroff (Dedicated Service in Film), Master Deenanath Award – (Anandmayi Award) to Mumbai Ke Dabbawala (Navi Mumbai Tiffin Box Suppliers Charity Trust) Dedicated service in the field of social service and Best Drama Award – will be given to Sanjay Chhaya.