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Lata Mangeshkar and the Ram Janmabhoomi movement: Here is how she wore her identity on her sleeves, proudly

Legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar passed away earlier today, days after she tested positive for Covid-19. She was a devout Hindu, and she wore her identity on her sleeves proudly. When veteran leader Lal Krishna Advani was about to start Rath Yatra in 1990 to construct Bhavya Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Lata Mangeshkar recorded Ram Dhun and presented it to LK Advani. The Bhajan was played throughout the Rath Yatra.

Kanchan Gupta, Senior Adviser, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, shared a tweet remembering Lata Mangeshkar’s role in Rath Yatra and posted a short video of Ram Dhun as well.

The full version of Ram Dhun is available on Prasar Bharti’s archives on YouTube.

The same video was shared by Lata Mangeshkar on the day of Bhoomipujan of Bhavya Ram Mandir in August 2020. She wrote, “This song was reverberating in my mind while watching the speeches of all the dignitaries on television during the Shri Ram Mandir Bhumipujan ceremony in Ayodhya today.

On August 5, 2020, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed Bhoomipujan of Bhavya Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar expressed her happiness via tweets.

In a message posted on Twitter, she said, “Namaskar. Today, the dream of several kings, generations and Ram Bhakts from around the world is becoming a reality. Today, Bhoomipujan of Bhavya Mandir of Bhagwan Ram is happening after many years of exile. A lot of credit goes to Shri Lal Krishna Advani Ji, who conducted Rath Yatra and spread awareness among the people of India. Credit also goes to Shri Balasaheb Thackeray Ji.”

Source: Twitlonger.

She added, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat Ji, UP Governor Anandibeh Patel Ji, Ram Janmbhoomi President Nritya Gopal Das Ji, UP CM Yogi Adityanath Ji and many others will be present. Today though lakhs of devotees could not attend Bhoomipujan because of Corona, their minds and thoughts will be at the feet of Shri Ram. I am happy that this ceremony is being done by Narendra Bhai. Today I, my family and the whole world are very happy, and every heartbeat, every breath is saying Jai Shri Ram.”

BJP postpones manifesto declaration for UP polls as a mark of respect for Lata Mangeshkar

Bharatiya Janata Party on Sunday 6th February 2022 has declared that it is postponing the manifesto declaration for the UP elections as a mark of respect for Lata Mangeshkar who passed away on Sunday in the morning. Lata Mangeshkar was awarded Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in the nation. BJP’s manifesto called ‘Lok Kalyan Sankalp Patra’ was scheduled to be released by Amit Shah on Sunday.

BJP is likely to include in its manifesto issues like nationalism, development, good governance, and development of dharmik cities like Kashi, Mathura, and Ayodhya. BJP leaders including Amit Shah, UP CM Yogi Adityanath, Deputy CM KP Maurya, BJP state unit head Swatantra Dev Singh paid tributes to Lata Mangeshkar observing a two-minute silence.

Swatantra Dev Singh said “Lata Mangeshkar is no more. Soul like her takes birth once in centuries. The release of the BJP manifesto scheduled for Sunday for Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections 2022 has been postponed. The next date will be announced soon.”

BJP had appealed to people for giving suggestions for drafting the manifesto. The people had responded to the appeal and the BJP is likely to include many of the suggestions in the manifesto. In the election campaigns, BJP leaders are claiming that the BJP government in the state has fulfilled most of the promises made in the election manifesto of 2017.

Samajwadi Party has already promised the state’s people that if elected to power, it will give 300 units of free electricity. BJP may likely bring something in its manifesto which would be a response to this move by SP. There is also a possibility that the BJP may make big promises to the farmers in the state, especially the sugarcane farmers.

Election in Uttar Pradesh will take place in seven phases. The dates of voting in various parts of the state are February 10, 14,20, 23, 27 and March 3 and 7. The results will be declared on 10th March 2022.

As nation mourns the demise of Lata Mangeshkar, liberals celebrate the death of the legend, call her a ‘fascist’ and a ‘vile sanghi’

Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar breathed her last breath at Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai, on Sunday. The legendary singer died due to the Covid-19 related complications. She was 92 years old. According to the reports, she was undergoing treatment at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the hospital. Lata Mangeshkar was suffering from pneumonia.

The death of Lata Mangeshkar has pushed the nation into collective mourning. People across the country condoled the death of India’s greatest singer.

However, not everyone in the country was mourning the tragic loss of the national icon. On the contrary, a section of liberals descended on social media platforms to celebrate her death and abuse the legendary singer. The reason for such a display of hatred towards Lata Mangeshkar was her association with nationalist icon Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.

As the nation mourned the death, liberals took to Twitter to claim Lata Mangeshkar deserved no sympathy as she was a ‘Sanghi’. Lata Mangeshkar’s admiration for nationalist icons and her close association with the RSS became a rallying point for the left-liberals, who did not shy away from making harsh comments on the deceased.

A ‘liberal’ social media user Manveer Singh said that one should note before posting “RIP Lata Mangeshkar” tweets that the legendary singer was an ardent supporter of RSS, which according to him, is a fascist hate group that took inspiration from Nazism. The liberal social media person said that though she had a beautiful voice, she supported fascism.

Shivangi, a left-liberal columnist writing for news portals like Firstpost and far-left Newsclick, went a step ahead to claim that Lata Mangeshkar was a Sanghi for all her life. Making a vile attack, Shivangi said Lata Mangeshkar’s voice was equivalent to a pressure cooker whistle and asked mourners to save the RIP stuff.

Continuing to rant against Lata Mangeshkar, the left-liberal journalist claimed that Lata Mangeshkar was famous because she started singing in the radio era. She claimed that the radio “diluted the extra sweet diabetic voice” of Lata Mangeshkar, and said her voice was equivalent to a pressure cooker whistle. She also called Lata Mangeshkar a “vile” woman and abused her for supporting Veer Savarkar.

Another liberal social media user with varied pronouns claimed Lata Mangeshkar never spoke against Hindutva fascism but lent it credibility by endorsing Savarkar. The social media user said he/they would not be mourning the loss.

Social media user Abz also tweeted, saying Lata supported RSS and had a close family tie with Savarkar.

Another Twitter user Tanjiro Tan also spread false propaganda against Lata Mangeshkar on her death. She claimed that Lata Mangeshkar single-handedly suppressed innovation in the Indian music industry by viciously denying independent artists space in the film industry.

The user claimed that it was only when she grew old and was unable to sing that diversity returned to the Indian music scene.

Aditi, another declared liberal, claims that nobody spoke when Danish Siddique, Irfan Khan, Dilip Kumar or Rishi Kapoor died. She asked what is the need for the special honour to declare two-day mourning in the memory of Lata Mangeshkar was. However, this claim is also wrong, because Dilip Kumar was accorded a full state funeral after his death last year.

Many Islamists also expressed joy and used the laughing emoji on the news of the demise of the legendary singer.

True to their character, ‘fact-checker’ Muhammad Zubair of Alt News rushed to their rescue and defended them by claiming that these people don’t know how to use emojis and hence are expressing joy on Mangeshkar’s demise.

Zubair has regularly rushed to whitewash the crimes of Islamists in what appears like a service to his coreligionists.

These liberals, who claim to be extremely tolerant, have again displayed their hatred towards nationalists who have accomplished greater things, which these individuals can never even dream of. The rejoicing of the death of Lata Mangeshkar and foul mouthing the deceased has become a norm these days, especially in the liberal circles, who do not shy away in scorning these individuals simply because they are unapologetic about displaying their Hindu nationalist identity.

Death is unavoidable, and all of us face it at some point. However, to display so much hatred for a 92-year-old accomplished soul is rather deplorable.

Indian players to wear black band in memory of Lata Mangeshkar during ODI against West Indies

Hours after the demise of legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar, the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) announced that the Indian cricket team will wear a black band during the first ODI match against West Indies on Sunday (February 6).

“In honour of Lata Mangeshkar, our players in the match between India & West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad today, will wear a black band. The National Flag to fly at half-mast,” informed BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla.

The match is scheduled to start at 1:30 pm IST at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. India will play two One Day International matches against the touring side of West Indies at the same venue on February 9 and February 11.

Lata Mangeshkar was an avid follower of the game. She shared a strong bond with ace cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and had good connections with other cricketing personalities. Following the victory of India at the World Cup in 1983, she agreed to do a special free concert for the winning side.

She recounted, “I watched the final at Lord’s. I could not believe that we had won the World Cup defeating the two-times champion West Indies. Naturally, as an Indian, I felt very proud of the achievement. After winning the trophy, Kapil Dev invited me for a dinner with the Indian team in London. I went there for a while and congratulated the team. The duration of the concert was four hours.”

Earlier in the day, BCCI paid tribute to the legendary singer. In a tweet, it stated, “The BCCI joins the nation in mourning the loss of Bharat Ratna Smt. Lata Mangeshkar ji. The queen of melody enthralled the country for decades. An avid follower of the game and an ardent supporter of Team India, she helped create an awareness using music as a medium.”

On Sunday, February 6, legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar passed away at Mumbai’s Breach Candy hospital. She had tested positive for Covid-19. She was 92 years old.

As per reports, she was undergoing treatment at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the hospital. Lata Mangeshkar was suffering from pneumonia. She showed slight improvement in her health, but was again shifted on ventilator and ICU as her condition deteriorated. She breathed her last on Sunday morning.

Two-day national mourning in memory of Lata Mangeshkar announced as netizens condole her death by sharing their favourite songs

On Sunday, February 6, legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar died of Covid-19 related complications at the Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai. She was 92 years old.

Citing sources in the government, news agency ANI reported that two-day national mourning will be observed by the Indian government in memory of the legendary singer. As a mark of respect, the tricolour will also be flown at half-mast for 2 days. “A two-day national mourning will now be observed in memory of Lata Mangeshkar on February 6 and 7. The National flag will fly at half-mast for two days, as a mark of respect,” government sources said.

Prominent leaders pay tribute to Lata Mangeshkar

Following her demise, prominent public personalities and political leaders paid homage to Lata Mangeshkar.

Prime minister Narendra Modi posted a series of tweets, where he said:

“I am anguished beyond words. The kind and caring Lata Didi has left us. She leaves a void in our nation that cannot be filled. The coming generations will remember her as a stalwart of Indian culture, whose melodious voice had an unparalleled ability to mesmerise people.”

“Lata Didi’s songs brought out a variety of emotions. She closely witnessed the transitions of the Indian film world for decades. Beyond films, she was always passionate about India’s growth. She always wanted to see a strong and developed India.”

“I consider it my honour that I have always received immense affection from Lata Didi. My interactions with her will remain unforgettable. I grieve with my fellow Indians on the passing away of Lata Didi. Spoke to her family and expressed condolences. Om Shanti.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also shared his message of condolence on Twitter. “There are no words that can describe the contribution of Lata Didi to the world of music,” tweeted Amit Shah.

“Lata-ji’s demise is heart-breaking for me, as it is for millions the world over. In her vast range of songs, rendering the essence and beauty of India, generations found expression of their inner-most emotions. A Bharat Ratna, Lata-ji’s accomplishments will remain incomparable,” wrote President Ramnath Kovind.

He further added, “An artist born but once in centuries, Lata-didi was an exceptional human being, full of warmth, as I found whenever I met her. The divine voice has gone quiet forever but her melodies will remain immortal, echoing in eternity. My condolences to her family and admirers everywhere.”

Netizens share their favourite ‘Lata song’ on social media

JNU professor Anand Ranganathan correctly said that it is impossible to pick just one from thousands of wondrous memories Lata Mangeskar has created. Nevertheless, he chose the iconic Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna Hai song from Guide as his favourite.

One Twitter user said that her favourite song sung by Lata Mangeshkar is ‘Lag ja gale’. She wrote, “No one can replace the melody, the heart and soul Lata Didi bought to music. She is rightfully India’s nightingale.”

Popular Twitter user Ankit Jain shared a snippet of his favourite ‘Lata’ song, ‘Tera Mera Milan ki ya Raina‘ from Abhimaan.

Lata Mangeshkar also immortalised the song, ‘Ae Mera Watan ke Logo‘, which had even moved Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to tears.

Arun Krishnan wrote, “End of an era. Om Shanthi Lata Tai. Ae mera watan ke logon. Zara Aankh mein bhar lo paani. Listening to Ajeeb dastan hai yeh. I have tears in my eyes. The last of the greats is gone.”

Popular user Bala also shared a clip of the evergreen romantic song ‘Lag ja Gale.’

Another Twitter user listed his 10 of the most favoruite songs sung by Lata Mangeshkar.

The legendary singer was undergoing treatment at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the hospital. Lata Mangeshkar was suffering from pneumonia. She showed a slight improvement in her health but was again shifted on ventilator and ICU as her condition deteriorated. She breathed her last on Sunday morning.

Asaduddin Owaisi insinuates he is like Mahatma Gandhi, says ‘if you kill one Owaisi, lakhs of Owaisis will be born’

On Saturday (February 5), AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi insinuated a comparison between himself with Mahatma Gandhi and alleged that those who fired gunshots at his convoy were the ones who assassinated the ‘Father of Nation.’ Owaisi was allegedly targeted in the Hapur district of Uttar Pradesh during an election campaign on Thursday (February 3).

He claimed, “Those who fired bullets were also the ones who killed Gandhi. I talk about the rights of the people, hence the bullets were fired. I talk about the stake (of Muslims), so the shot was fired. When I talk within the ambit of the Constitution, the evildoers cannot tolerate it… If one Owaisi dies, I bequeath you to produce lakhs of Owaisi.”

“How logical it is to provide me Z security if the BJP (government) can’t protect the common man? Guns can’t stop me. I do not want security, I want a share. Make Muslims of India and the poor A category citizens,” he further alleged.

After likening himself to Mahatma Gandhi, Asaduddin Owaisi asked Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath to probe the firing incident ‘properly’ and give the impression to the people that the investigating authorities are independent.

“If this radicalisation prevails, it can be converted to terrorism & communalism,” he concluded.

The attack on Asaduddin Owaisi

On Thursday, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi had alleged that four rounds of bullets were fired at his car. Images posted by him showed two holes on the two doors of his car, apparently created by the bullets fired at the car. He also said that the tyres of his vehicle were also punctured in the alleged attack.

Prashant Kumar, ADG (Law and Order) informed that an illegal 9 mm pistol, which was used in the crime, was recovered. Five teams were formed to probe the case. Two accused were nabbed by the cops. Superintendent of Police (Hapur), Deepak Bhuker, stated that the assailants attacked Asaduddin Owaisi because they were offended by his “anti-Hindu” statements.

When Lata Mangeshkar endorsed the then-Gujarat CM Modi for Prime Minister of India: Read about the mutual respect the two shared

India lost one of the greatest singers of all time, Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar, on February 6, 2022. Did you know, back in 2013, Mangeshkar had endorsed the then-Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi for the post of Prime Minister.

Then-CM Modi was invited to inaugurate a super-speciality hospital in Pune built by Lata Mangeshkar in memory of her late father, Deenanath Mangeshkar in November 2013. During the event, Mangeshkar had said, “I pray to God that we see Narendra Bhai as PM.” It was just weeks after Narendra Modi was made the prime ministerial candidate for the BJP in the 2014 general elections in September 2013.

PM Modi had talked about a letter Lata Mangeshkar had written to him around six months prior to the event. He had said, “Didi wrote me a heartfelt letter around six months ago. It was full of blessings. That letter is one of the biggest gifts of my life.”

Lata Mangeshkar and PM Modi had interacted several times on social media platforms. In 2019, PM Modi shared a telephonic conversation with Mangeshkar over the phone during an episode of Mann Ki Baat to wish her for her birthday.

During the conversation, Mangeshkar sought blessings from PM Modi, to which PM said how could he give blessings to Mangeshkar as she is elder to him. She said, “There are many who are older than us, but important is the blessings of the ones who have done great service.” PM Modi mentioned whenever he went to meet Mangeshkar, she served him a Gujarati dish owning to the fact her mother was a Gujarati.

‘You have changed the picture of India’

Mangeshkar said, “You yourself do not know what you are. I know that picture of India has started changing ever since you arrived on the scene, and this gives me immense happiness.” PM Modi thanked her for the blessings and said, “I am deeply grateful to you for your concern about me.”

PM Modi pays respect to Lata Mangeshkar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted multiple tweets remembering the legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar. He said, “I am anguished beyond words. The kind and caring Lata Didi has left us. She leaves a void in our nation that cannot be filled. The coming generations will remember her as a stalwart of Indian culture, whose melodious voice had an unparalleled ability to mesmerise people.”

In a follow-up tweet, he said, “Lata Didi’s songs brought out a variety of emotions. She closely witnessed the transitions of the Indian film world for decades. Beyond films, she was always passionate about India’s growth. She always wanted to see a strong and developed India.”

He added, “I consider it my honour that I have always received immense affection from Lata Didi. My interactions with her will remain unforgettable. I grieve with my fellow Indians on the passing away of Lata Didi. Spoke to her family and expressed condolences. Om Shanti.”

The Centre has announced two-day national mourning on Lata Mangeshkar’s demise.

‘After elections be ready with salt, we will bury PM Modi and Yogi’, says UP Congress leader Ajay Rai

Senior Congress leader and Congress candidate from Varanasi Ajay Rai has been booked for sedition for making a hate speech against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

According to the reports, the five-time MLA had held a public meeting in Pindra, Varanasi, on January 31 without obtaining permission. Sub-Inspector Ram Krishna Yadav filed the complaint.

The police officer said that Rai, in his address, asked people to metaphorically bury Prime Minister Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath with salt.

“Aap log namak rakhey rakhna, March 7, 2022, ko Modi vah Yogi ko khanke gaad diya jayega (Be ready with salt, on March 7 we will bury Modi and Yogi),” Congress leader Ajay Rai had said in a public meeting. The video of the incident has now gone viral on the internet.

Sometimes, a dead body is buried with salt to fasten the decomposition process and also to mask the smell so that dogs and other animals do not dig up the grave and eat the corpse.

The police officer said that the speech was made to create enmity between people and disturb law and order. A four-member team had conducted an inquiry and concluded that an FIR should be lodged, the officer said. The police also said that Rai had violated the model code of conduct and Covid-19 protocols by organising such meetings.

“The video will be sent to a (forensic) laboratory for examination,” a senior police officer added.

The FIR has been lodged under IPC Sections 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), 269 (negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life), 124-A (sedition), 153-A (promoting enmity between groups and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony) and 153 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot).

Meanwhile, Rai denied the allegations, saying, “People have complained that salt distributed from the fair price shops was not good quality. People were falling ill after having it. I told people to collect it and bury them (the BJP) on March 7, which is voting day… A deliberate misinterpretation was done that I said something about the PM and CM.”

Ajay Rai, a five-time MLA, also contested the 2017 election from Pindra and lost to the BJP’s Avadhesh Singh. Ajay Rai had earlier contested unsuccessfully against Modi from Varanasi in the 2014 and 2019 parliamentary elections.

Months before Hijab controversy, Udupi Muslims boycotted local fishermen for protesting against illegal cow smuggling and slaughtering

Three months before the ongoing Hijab controversy stirred up Karnataka, an act of provocation by local Muslims had occurred in the Udupi district.

According to the reports, in October last year, the Muslim residents of Byndoor, Udupi district, had boycotted fishermen at the Gangolli fishing port after they had taken part in a mega Padayatra organised to register protest against illegal theft and slaughter of cows. On October 1, a massive protest was organised at Gangolli against illegal slaughtering and smuggling of cows. Several fisherwomen had participated in the protest, irking the local Muslims.

Hence, in retaliation, members of the Muslim community had enforced a ban on purchasing fishes from these fisherfolks from Gangolli.

In response, the locals stood in solidarity with the fisherfolks and had extended moral support to the fisherwomen of Gangolli. On the other hand, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal (BD) had taken strong exception to the decision of a particular community deciding to boycott fish purchases from Gangolli fishing port.

The workers of the local cashew factory had also extended unequivocal support to the fisherwomen at Gangolli fish market during the incident and instilled confidence in them. They had assured the fish vending women that Hindus from different villages would come to Gangolli to purchase fish.

Exactly three months later, a similar provocative incident of communalising the atmosphere has taken place in the Udupi district in the form of the Hijab controversy.

Hijab controversy

The Hijab controversy started in Karnataka after the government strictly enforced uniform regulations in educational institutions. However, it took a dangerous turn after a few Muslim students refused to follow the guidelines and insisted that they would be wearing Hijab inside educational institutions.

In response, Hindu students have also started wearing the saffron shawls prompting the authorities to ban both outfits. However, the Muslim students have brazened it out to protest against the authorities outside, risking the future of several other students studying in the school.

The Karnataka government has categorically stated that religious attires are not allowed inside the campus, and students will have to obey uniform rules. However, some Muslim students continue to protest outside the gates, demanding the right to wear hijabs. Meanwhile, a petition arguing that Muslim women wearing Hijab should be permitted to attend classes has also been filed in the Karnataka High Court. 

However, the state government has stood firm on its stand of uniform dress code at schools and colleges of Karnataka and has ordered the mandatory wearing of uniform approved by the state government on school and college campuses.

Veteran singer Lata Mangeshkar passes away at 92

On Sunday, February 6, legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar died of Covid-19 related complications at the Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai. She was 92 years old.

As per reports, she was undergoing treatment at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the hospital. Lata Mangeshkar was suffering from pneumonia. She showed slight improvement in her health, but was again shifted on ventilator and ICU as her condition deteriorated. She breathed her last on Sunday morning.

Lata Mangeshkar’s musical gems need no introduction. She has sung in Hindi, Marathi, Bengali and other regional languages. She has been honoured with the Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Dadasaheb Phalke Award as well as several National and Filmfare Awards. Lata Mangeshkar’s last complete album was for 2004 Bollywood release Veer-Zaara.

Lata Mangeshkar began singing to support her family after the death of her father Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar 1942. He was a classical singer and theatre actor. In Bollywood, Lata Mangeshkar got her first major break with the song Dil Mera Toda from the 1948 film Majboor. However, her song Aayega Aanewaala from the movie Mahal (1949) became her first major hit.