Lata is `Vishwa Ratna’, says Maharashtra Governor

Veteran singer Lata Mangeshkar after receiving the award for Community Services during the 13th Chandrasekarendra Saraswati National Eminence Awards function in Mumbai on Saturday. Photo: PTI

Describing singer Lata Mangeshkar as a ‘Vishwa Ratna’, Maharashtra Governor K Sankaranarayanan said her soulful music has transcended geographical borders.

“There is hardly any Indian language in which Lata Didi has not sung. Her music is popular in Pakistan, Bangladesh and other countries, as it is in India. She is the icon of at least three generations,” the Governor said.

He was speaking after presenting the Sri Chanrasekarendra Saraswathi National Eminence Award to Ms. Mangeshkar here last evening.

The award, instituted by South Indian Education Society, comprised a citation, Rs 2.5 lakh, and a brass lamp. Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev and scientist Arvind Gupta were the other recipients of the award.