“As an artist, I am most grateful for Srila Prabhupada’s efforts towards bringing about a religious, cultural revival of Indian classical arts in all parts of the world. By the blessings of Lord Krishna, many talented disciples of Srila Prabhupada have virtually mastered the arts of bhajana and kirtana and classical dance”, said the Swarakokila of India Ms Lata Mangeshkar, during the Golden Jubilee celebrations of ISKCON.

Lataji had been supporting ISKCON and its activities right from the early years of the movement. In 1977, as a benefit program for ISKCON, the Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan recipient captivated her fans with a three-hour concert at Los Angeles’ Shrine Auditorium. During the occasion, she revealed that her entire family is a member of the Hare Krishna Society and declared, “When I sing for Lord Krishna, everything is complete.”

Lataji’s demise is an irreplaceable loss to the country. Her humility, grace and dedication to music have been inspirational to generations. She had great devotion to Lord Krishna. In her last audio message during the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav event in 2021, she recited verses from Bhagavad Gita and expressed, “Bhagwan Shri Krishna ne yeh kahan. Woh hamesha hamare saath rahe. Aaj bhi saath hain aur aage bhi saath rahenge, yeh mujhe vishwaas hai. (Lord Krishna said this. He is always with us. He is with us today and will remain in the future as well).” We appreciate her faith and conviction in the Lord’s protection.

We pray to Sri Radha Krishna Chandra to shower Their mercy upon her family and give them the strength to endure this irreparable loss. May the Supreme Lord keep her in His shelter eternally.