"I am one rakhi poorer," says PM Modi to the late Lata Mangeshkar's brother.
The country lost its singing sensation on 22nd February 2022, and the very first Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar award ceremony was held in April. They also invited PM Modi to the ceremony, receiving the first ceremony award.
After receiving the Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar award on 24th April 2022, PM Modi wrote a letter to the late singer's brother Hridaynath Mangeshkar on 25th April. He wished good health to Lata Mangeshkar’s brother since Hridaynath Mangeshkar couldn't attend the event because of his health concerns. PM Modi also thanked him for the warmth and affection he received at the event.
PM Modi talked about his relationship with the late singer in his letter, and he got emotional, mentioning how Rakhi would never be the same without Lata didi. PM wrote, "I will be one rakhi poorer during Raksha Bandhan" because of the demise of the nightingale of India. He further added how Lata Mangeshkar used to call him to check up on his health.
He addressed the cash prize of 1 lack INR he received and the award in his note. PM Modi presented his wish to Hridaynath Mangeshkar to donate the award prize to a charitable organization for a noble cause. He further mentioned that these were also the ideals of Lata Mangeshkar.
Later, Hridaynath Mangeshkar took to social media and wrote his return letter to PM Modi. In his letter, he hailed this gracious and noble gesture of the Prime minister of India. Hridayanath Mangeshkar further said that his trust has decided to donate the prize of the first-ever Lata Mangeshkar award to the PM cares fund.
Late singer Lata Mangeshkar took her last breath on 22nd February. She died due to multiple organ dysfunction syndromes while fighting COVID-19 and Pneumonia for 28 days.