Legendary singer and Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar on Friday made an unusual, heart-warming request to millions of fans and music lovers planning to celebrate her upcoming 87th birthday next week.
She has appealed to her fans and well-wishers to remember and donate for the brave Indian soldiers guarding our borders.
"Every year, on my birthday, thousands of you send me flowers, sweets, cakes, greeting cards... This year, I humbly request you all, instead of sending me these things, that money and as much as you can give, please give it to our brave soldier brothers," Lata said in a tweet on Friday.
She said: "I believe that mother, father, teacher, motherland and the guardians of the motherland, our brave soldiers... Whatever we do for them, it is not enough. Our soldiers... who don't think twice before sacrificing their lives for protecting our country... Because of them we are safe."
"Hence, it is also our bounden duty to do something for them, whatever we can," Lata said, adding that on her part, she has made a contribution for the newly-created Army Welfare Fund Battle Casualties fund.
"I shall consider it a favour, if you all can, as per your capacity, make your contribution for this. I am confident I shall continue to receive your love, affection and blessings always. Jai Hind, Vande Mataram," Lata, who will turn 87 on September 28, urged her fans.
Last Sunday, Lata had condemned the terror attacks in Uri, Jammu & Kashmir and demanded the strongest action against the perpetrators.
"I consider the Uri terror attacks as an example of cowardice... These perpetrators must be paid back in the same coin... That will be a real tribute to all our martyred soldier brothers," said Lata, who has sung scores of immortal patriotic songs in her singing career.