Noida: 'Ae mere watan ke logon' and memories from the past

The demise of Lata Mangeshkar has left music lovers across India speechless. People all over the country are remembering how Lata's voice has shaped a generation of soulful music for them. Her song ‘Aye mere watan ke logo’ will keep her alive in the memories of many. We talked to some residents and Nok's from Noida about their memories of the song and the legendary singer.

'Aye mere Watan Ke logo’ was the epic song of Lata Mangeshkar. She sang the song for the first time, two months after 1962's Sino-Indian War on Republic Day (January 26, 1963). The emotional lyrics and Lata's poignant voice brought Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to tears at the event which happened in New Delhi's National Stadium. Since then, the song by Lata has found a special place in the hearts of army men.

Brigadier S. K diwan, who fought Sino- the Indian war, in 1962, finds himself deeply connected to this song. He says, "I missed my friends who meant family to me. We went to the war together and only a few of us returned. I miss them whenever I hear this song. I feel deeply connected. As I hear the lyrics, every wound and every memory becomes fresh. I got many injuries and I still have that bullet that hit me. I am sad to know that the nightingale of India whose voice has moved generations has bid farewell to the world."

Nargis Naqvi, wife of late squadron Leader I. H. Naqvi, who fought in Siachen glacier in 1984, in operation Meghdoot, says, “Lata Ji's demise is the loss for everyone. Hearing this masterpiece, makes me feel like crying. We will miss her forever. It has been many years but I can still connect with the song. The more I hear it, the more I miss my husband."

Nargis, a resident of sector 21  recalls the time she spent with her husband. She says that the line ‘jo Laut ke Ghar na aye" leaves her sobbing every time. "I.H Naqvee’s martyrdom was unbearable for me, it hit me hard and I went into depression and sedatives. This song worked like therapy for me. And gave me an usher to live life strongly. I am sure, I will never forget Lata Ji in this life."

Priya Singh Rajput, a student says, "Aye mere vatan ke logo is my all-time favourite song and it fills my eyes with tears. I had never participated in any program. In my first performance on January 26, 2018, I sang this song."

Roli Thapar, Nok of Martyr says, “I am happy that we had an era of Lata Mangeshkar Ji. We lived that era, we loved that era. The aura she created is immortal just like her. She will be forever alive in her songs. She has left so many memories. She lived a great life and worked a lot in her life. Nowadays the total span of life of a person is 65-70 years and if we look into the work span of lata Ji's life, she achieved heights. Her work span of 70 decades is an exemplary example for everyone”.

Akshay Anand, a journalist, says, “She earned well, she lived well. And she also passed well. What more can we expect from life? She lived her life to the fullest. We should not be sad. We should be happy, she celebrated her life and worshipped her work. Lata Ji will live in our hearts forever through her music”.

Saurabh Sharma, resident of Noida extension says that Lata Mangeshkar was the epitome of melodies. Her voice defined the Indian music of generations. He says, “we have a story to tell to our son that there was a nightingale who flew away very far, but will always keep singing and will be with us”.