Pune, India: A special evening blending remembrance, music, and medical service unfolded in Pune on Friday, 6 February 2026, at 6:15 PM onwards at Yashwantrao Chavan Natyagruha, Kothrud, as the Lata Mangeshkar Medical Foundation presented the Lata Mangeshkar Medical Award during a commemorative ceremony dedicated to the life and values of Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar.
The programme was accompanied by a musical tribute titled “Santwani & LATA HRYDAY – In Reverence to Lata Didi,” convened by Manisha Nischals Mehak Concerts.
Organised in association with Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital & Research Center, the ceremony paid homage not only to the legendary voice that defined generations of Indian music, but also to the spirit of service that Lata Mangeshkar championed throughout her life.
The medical award recognised distinguished doctors and healthcare professionals whose dedication to patient care reflected those same humanitarian ideals.
This year, the Foundation presented its first Bharat Ratna Lata Dinanath Mangeshkar Vaidyakratna Award to Dr. (Prof.) S. Rajshekaran, Chairman, GANGA Hospital, Coimbatore.
The evening was graced by Dr. Vishwanath Karad, Founder of MIT Group of Institutions, as the Chief Guest. Among the eminent dignitaries in attendance were Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar, Pt. Suresh Talwalkar, Pt. Shankar Abhyankar, Dr. Dhananjay Kelkar, and Dr. Sameer Jog.
The evening was compered by Dipti Bhagwat.
Where Music Met Medicine
Instituted to celebrate excellence in healthcare, the Lata Mangeshkar Medical Award extended the Mangeshkar family’s legacy beyond the world of music and into the realm of healing. The honour recognised doctors whose service, skill, and empathy had made a meaningful difference to countless lives.
A Soulful Musical Tribute to Lata Didi
The cultural highlight of the evening was Santwani & Lata Hryday, a devotional and classical musical tribute inspired by the spiritual depth and emotional resonance of the poetry of Sant Dnyaneshwar, Sant Surdas, Sant Kabir, Sant Tukaram, and Sant Meerabai, as rendered through Lata Mangeshkar’s musical journey.
The segment featured performances by Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar, Pt. Shankar Abhyankar, and singers Vibhavari Joshi, Manisha Nischal, Shreyasi Pavgi, Rutuja, and Prachi, alongside other distinguished artistes.
Speaking about the tribute, Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar said:
“Music was Didi’s prayer, her offering to the world. Through Swarajali, we remembered not just her voice, but her devotion, discipline, and the purity with which she approached every note.”
Reflecting on the emotional significance of the evening, Usha Mangeshkar shared:
“For us, Didi was not only a musical legend but a guiding light in compassion and humility. She always believed that true success lies in giving back. Seeing her name associated with healing and hope through this medical award would have made her deeply happy.”
Continuing a Legacy of Care
Through Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital & Research Center, the Foundation has long supported advanced treatment, research, and accessible healthcare for families across Maharashtra. The institution stands as a living tribute to the values of service, empathy, and excellence upheld by the Mangeshkar family.
The Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar Memorial Ceremony marked an evening of reverence, remembrance, and renewed commitment — where melody met medicine, and legacy met service.
Pune Hosted Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar Memorial Ceremony & Lata Mangeshkar Medical Awards Evening Honouring Her Legacy Of Compassion
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