Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav virtually attended the ceremony in Indore and conferred the prestigious National Lata Mangeshkar 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.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said, addressing the ceremony virtually, that the award instituted in the name of Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar is comparable to a prestigious international honour. He said it is a matter of pride for Madhya Pradesh that a legendary artist like Lata Mangeshkar was born in Indore. He said Lata Mangeshkar was revered not merely as a singer but as a towering musical personality whose voice expressed every emotion of life.
Her Voice Gave Expression to Every Emotion
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Lata Mangeshkar’s songs continue to be cherished for devotion and patriotism, as well as friendship, joy, love and separation. Her melodious voice immortalised the entire spectrum of human emotions, he said, adding that her singing reflected the blessings of Goddess Saraswati. He said 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 said that her voice remained remarkably consistent and her diction exceptionally clears throughout her career. He said, “Her rendition often seemed as though Goddess Saraswati herself was singing among us.” The Chief Minister noted 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,
CM Dr. Yadav Applauds Shantanu Moitra’s Musical Journey
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav praised Shri Shantanu Moitra’s contribution to music and said he felt honoured to see him receive the National Lata Mangeshkar Award. He said that Moitra’s musical talent has enriched the Indian music landscape. He noted,referring to some of his popular compositions, that the song from Khel Khel Mein inspires energy and hope among young people, while Bawra Mann Dekhne Chala Ek Sapna has left a lasting impression on listeners. The Chief Minister also mentioned Moitra’s renditions of the Shiv Tandav Stotram and Ram-Siya bhajans among works he particularly appreciates.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said honouring such talented artists is also a matter of pride for the Madhya Pradesh government. He added that the land of Malwa has always honoured talent, and the event carries forward this rich tradition.
Madhya Pradesh Has Always Been a Land of Art and Talent
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said Madhya Pradesh has a rich and enduring 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.
Shantanu Moitra Expresses Gratitude
Shri Shantanu Moitra said receiving an award instituted in the name of Lata Mangeshkar, at her birthplace and on the occasion of her birth anniversary, was an immensely proud and emotional moment. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Madhya Pradesh government.
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. He added that even today, while composing a song, he often wonders how Lata Mangeshkar would have sung it.
Sachet-Parampara and Troupe Mesmerise Audience
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. 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, attended the programme.
