SHILLONG:
As the nation mourns the death of Lata Mangeshkar, leaders from the Northeast poured their heart out and paid sincere condolences to the “Nightingale of India” – the voice that enthralled generations during the last five decades, on February 6.
Terming the loss as “monumental” chief ministers of all the “sister states” and Sikkim took to social media websites to pay their homage to the Bharat Ratna and posted various posts – some recalling her glorious contribution to the Indian music industry, some reminiscing the voice that serenaded millions from the “transistor era” to today’s “music streaming age” and some, remembered the times when they met the legendary vocalist.
Moments after Latadi, as she was fondly known as, bid farewell to the material world, Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma went back in time and posted a nostalgic video in Twitter featuring his father, Late PA Sangma, the then Lok Sabha Speaker, welcoming her on to the stage to serenade the patriotic song, Saare Jahan se Achcha.
Posting the video, he wrote, “Like millions of others, my father (L) Sh. P A Sangma was a huge fan of #LataMangeshkar Ji. He had a fan moment while calling her to sing ‘Sare Jahan Se Achha’ as then Speaker of the Lok Sabha. Your legacy lives on Lata Ji! (sic).”
Similarly, mourning the death of singing legend, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said her contribution to Assamese music established a “life-long connection between her and the people of the state”. The CM compared Lata Ji to “Borluit” (Brahmaputra), and said that “the voice of Mangeshkar will forever flow in the minds of the people like Brahmaputra”.
Echoing Sarma, Meghalaya governor Jagdish Mukhi said Mangeshkar’s songs will continue to rule the heart of every Indian. “Her mellifluous voice endeared her across the globe. Although, the void of her absence is not something replaceable but the regal legacy she leaves behind will live on forever and continue to rule the heart of every Indian (sic),” the governor tweeted.
Chief Ministers of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Sikkim and Tripura too paid their heartfelt condolences to the legendary singer recollecting moments when they had the chance to meet her on some or other occasions.
Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu shared a series of pictures of (L) Lata Mangeshkar, chronicling her life from childhood to her final days, terming the loss ‘irreplaceable’.
“The death of Swara Nightingale ‘Bharat Ratna’ respected Lata Mangeshkar ji is very sad for all of us. The loss to the world of music will never be compensated. May the soul of Goddess Swaroopa Lata ji rest at your feet.” Khandu tweeted.
Tripura Chief Minister Biplap Kumar Deb revived the times when Lata had visited the state and adorned a “risa” a tradition Tripura attire. He said that her memories will be cherished forever by the people of the state.
In a similar tone, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh tweeted, “Deeply saddened on hearing the demise of legendary singer, #LataMangeshkar Didi. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and to all her admirers in this difficult time. Her legacy will continue to live in our hearts. Om Shanti! (sic).”
Terming the loss as irreplaceable, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang said, “I am deeply saddened to know about the demise of veteran singer #LataMangeshkar Ji at the age of 92. I express my deepest condolences to her family & friends and join the entire Nation in mourning this monumental loss and pray that her soul rests in eternal peace. Om Shanti! (sic).”
In his condolence message, Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga said, “India has lost a shining star with the passing of the incomparable #LataMangeshkar . The nightingale of India will remain an inspiration for millions. My condolences to her family.”
The last message came from Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio who tweeted, “Saddened by the news of the passing away of legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar @mangeshkarlata. Indian cinema and music will never be the same again. My heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones. May the departed soul rest in peace (sic).”