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New Delhi: “Sangeet is both a ‘sadhna’ and an emotion. The one that expresses the unexpressed is word. One that fills the expressed with energy and consciousness is ‘naad’. And the one that fills conscious with emotions and feelings and takes it to the extreme of creation and sensitivity is ‘sangeet’. Music can fill you with valour, motherly affection. It can take one to the pinnacle of patriotism and sense of duty. We are fortunate to have seen this capability and strength of music, in the form of Lata Didi,” Dr. Shailesh Shrivastava, a renowned folk singer shared her emotions with CitySpidey on the first death anniversary of Lata Mangeshkar today (6 February).
As a former IBPS offer at Doordarshan Dr. Shailesh had the privilege of meeting Lataji several times. “For me, Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar was the ‘Sur Samragyi’ as well as my elder sister who has given the gift of love and emotion to generations. My several personal anecdotes and Didi’s immense contribution to the cultural world can’t be expressed in words. Her physical journey was completed at a time when our country is celebrating Amrit Mahotsav of its freedom. She gave voice to India before independence, and the country's journey of these 75 years was also associated with her voice.”
“Along with the song, the consciousness of patriotism that was within Lata Didi, her father was the source of it. A song written by Veer Savarkar was sung by Dinanath ji in a program of the British Viceroy in Shimla during the freedom struggle. The song was written by Veer Savarkar challenging the British rule. This feeling of patriotism was given in inheritance to his family by Deenanath ji. Didi made music her worship but patriotism and national service also got inspiration through her songs,” she added.
Paying her heartful tribute to Didi, Dr. Shailesh further said, “Didi was like a melodious manifestation of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshth Bharat’. She sang thousands of songs in more than 30 languages. Whether it was Hindi, Marathi, Sanskrit or other Indian language, her sur was equally at home everywhere. From culture to faith, from east to west, from north to south, Didi’s notes worked to unite the whole country. Globally too, she was India's cultural ambassador. She is ingrained in the minds of people in every state, in every region. She showed how music can be immortal with Indianness.”
“The philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam’ welfare of all - such a notion of development cannot be achieved by just material capabilities. For this spiritual consciousness is critically important. That is why, India is providing leadership in areas like yoga, Ayurveda and environment. I believe, our Indian music is also an important part of this contribution of India. Let us keep this heritage alive with the same values and carry it forward, and make it a medium of world peace,” she concluded.
