Strange are the ways of the world Lata Mangueshwar a renowned celebrated artist was ailing for some time Neither the print ,social media highlighted the battle for life.The last bulletin stated that she is tolerating well the aggressive treatment.It looked as if she was well on the way to recovery, but then came the announcement of glorious end Immediately the media went berserk with tributes pouring from all and sundry.Most of us knew she was the Nightingale and prominent background singer in Indian Cinema. No other minute specific details nor mountain of her songs ,in varied anguages and in diverse films surfaced during her fight for survival. Her enviable record as a singer par excellencein many languages has no parallels. Her simplicity, humility considering her achievements have received great acknowledgements No visits by so called luminaries or get well messages are on record .Wonder how many of those who made a beeline to release public messages ever met her when alive and conveyed their recognition and appreciation in person. What is the relevance of all the epitaphs now when she will not hear.For general public other than film buffs her image larger than life is a surprise.The normal practice of waiting till death to inscribe on the tombstone is hypocritical . Politicians are capitalizing the sentiment for political mileage.PM has cancelled scheduled visit to Goa to express condolences and Parliament suspended for one hour in respect to her memory and contributions.Maharashtra has declared state mourning and her carriage was carried by military personnel.In Goa where her roots are have not even made a cursory referencec .After a few days LM GREAT DOYEN of India Cinema will be buried in the archives of art and culture and there rest in peace.No doubt she has been honoured by Govt of India award and that's it..Her life of sacrifice for the benefit of her family after premature death of her father is in itself a noble gesture of responsibilty at a very early stage in her life.She has however lived a long purposeful life of 92 years and which is a Divine blessings. The monument to her everlasting memory will be to encourage talents in music academies all over India, by providing, Grants, instruments training and awards. LM must find a place in the hearts and minds of the soul of music in India
The Indian Cinema which benefited enormously must give a lead to perpetuate her memory in a purposeful way.She is the right model to be emulated to keep her legacy alive.Let the GOLDEN VOUCE RESOUND ETERNALLY AND LET THE MYSIC PLAY ON LM will survive generations much longer then imagined as her melodious voice will not die but keep on ringing for time Imemorial Nelson Lopes Chinchinim
