A spiritual, musical tribute to Lata: the ultimate karmayogi

According to her biographer Harish Bhimani, legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar was a karmayogi who began all her concerts with a shloka from the Bhagwad Gita. In keeping with that spirit, Apeejay Svran Global School, Faridabad, recently organised a special prayer meeting to pay tributes to the ‘Queen of Melody,’ which began with the chanting of the Gayatri Mantra.

Both students and teachers paid heartfelt musical tributes to Lata Mangeshkar with soulful renditions of some of her timeless numbers, even as the mood was distinctly spiritual. “Daata Sun Le from the film Jail, is one of my favourite songs sung by Lata Mangeshkar Ji. Since my childhood, I have loved singing and I used to listen to songs by her. As this was one of the last songs sung by Lata Ji, I sang it as a tribute to her,” says class 8 student Angel Dhiman, whose mellifluous rendition of the number had everybody spellbound.  

Imran Ahmad, who teaches at Apeejay Svran Global School, chose to sing the unforgettable Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon, which had once brought tears to the eyes of then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru after the India-China War of 1962. “I chose this song since it is the most touching and inspiring patriotic number and probably the most iconic song of Lata Ji’s career,” said Mr Ahmed about his performance.

He was one of the quartet of teachers to pay a musical tribute to Lata Mangeshkar along with Mrs Neeru Dhal, Mrs. Archana and Mrs. Shweta.

Added Mrs Neeru Dhall: “Prayer is an integral part of the morning assembly in school and in a Special Assembly that aimed at paying tribute to Lata Ji, I chose to perform one of the prayers sung by her and that is ever cherished by everybody,” she said.  

The prayer meeting was presented by Aryaman Singh. The assembly began with the chanting of the Gayatri Mantra by Devishi Gupta of class 8. This was followed by Maisha Rai of class 8 singing a prayer song along with the rest of the students. Yashita Gupta of class 8 led the school for the pledge. The news headlines were read by Tanu Bansal and the Thought for the Day shared by Shaurya Dhankar of class 8.

A short brief was read by Ananya Kaushik and Priyal Svarnkar of class 8 highlighting the life-journey of the iconic singer.

Nikunj and Puneet Garg made a beautiful presentation of their self-composed poems, which filled everyone with a sense of respect towards the iconic singer who shall stay alive in the memories of all Indians forever.  “I have heard many of her songs. Her enchanting voice is so captivating that anyone can fall in love with it. No one can match her singing skills. My favourite song is Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon. She has inspired many singers throughout her life. I was devastated after hearing the news about her demise and was inspired to write and recite a small poem as a tribute to her and the reservoir of memorable songs that she sang throughout her life. May she find peace in heaven and bless all of us and the new and upcoming singers around the world,” said Puneet Garg of class 8.

To extend the spiritual feel of the event, Mr. Vineet, the Sanskrit teacher, impressed listeners with his beautiful rendition of Shloka in the memory of Lata Ji.

A symbolic silence for two minutes was observed to pay tribute to the departed singer.

Mrs. Deepika Arora, Principal, Apeejay Svran Global School, expressed her sense of loss and regret at the passing away of Lata Ji and added:  “God would empower all Indians with the courage to bear the demise of this legendary icon with whom everyone was much attached. She affirmed her faith stating that everyone would always feel blessed as the melody of her singing talent would keep on echoing through one’s ears for the entire life-time. May God grant peace to the departed soul.”