On the occasion of the 93rd birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna awardee and iconic vocalist Lata Mangeshkar, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the ‘Lata Mangeshkar Chowk’ in Ayodhya on Wednesday.
Yogi Adityanath unveiled the intersection on the banks of the Saryu river, which includes a 14-tonne ‘Veena’ 40 feet long and 12 metres tall, 92 lotuses representing her 92 years of existence, and seven pillars representing the seven notes (saat sur). G Kishan Reddy, Mahant Nrityagopal Das, Jaiveer Singh, and other dignitaries were also present.
“Great Lata didi spent her entire life to art and music, singing the majority of Lord Rama’s bhajans.” Today, I am honoured to open the ‘Lata Mangeshkar Chowk’ connecting to the Grand Ram Temple route in Ayodhya. “It is an appropriate tribute to one of India’s greatest icons,” Yogi Adityanath said.
The CM emphasised that the administration is resolved to develop every religious and spiritual site in Uttar Pradesh, and that public engagement is essential to achieving the aim. “Everyone must participate to making Ayodhya clean, hygienic, plastic-free, and beautiful.”
Yogi went on to declare that during this ‘Deepotsava,’ in addition to the huge government celebrations, every house in Ayodhya must light a ‘Diya’ to add to the grandeur of the sacred festival.
The CM maintained that Ayodhya has undergone a significant makeover in the last 5.5 years, saying, “The built and enlarged roadways, beautified ‘ghats,’ and other sites in Ayodhya have surprised everyone who has recently visited the city.” We must commit to carrying out our responsibilities.”
He also stated that the entire state, not only Ayodhya, is being developed. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guidance, the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor has been revitalised, attracting millions of worshippers during the holy month of Shravan.
Union Culture and Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy, who was also present at the ceremony, described Lata Mangeshkar as a “magician” whose music had touched people’s souls. “Classics like ‘Ae Mere Watan Ke Logo’ will continue to inspire and instil patriotism in future generations.” “Lata Didi’s life is an inspiration to all,” Reddy remarked.
He also praised Yogi Adityanath’s government for its efforts toward the overall development of Ayodhya.
Adinath Krishna Mangeshkar, Lata Mangeshkar’s nephew and special visitor, was observed crying during the Chowk’s inauguration. “Lata Didi’s day began with worshipping Lord Rama, and he was overwhelmed to see her heavenly and grand memorial created in the holy city of Ayodhya,” Adinath said.
