Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced today that five exceptional individuals will be awarded the prestigious Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, this year. Traditionally, three individuals receive this accolade annually, but this year’s recipients include former prime ministers, a prominent agricultural scientist, and a veteran political leader.
Bharat Ratna: A Symbol of Excellence
The Bharat Ratna, instituted in 1954, is a symbol of recognition for outstanding service or performance of the highest order across various fields. Without any discrimination based on race, occupation, position, or gender, individuals are eligible for this prestigious award. The recommendations for the Bharat Ratna are made by the Prime Minister to the President, marking a significant acknowledgment of an individual’s contributions to human endeavor.
Also Read: Sonia Gandhi Extends Welcome to Bharat Ratna Awardees
The Bharat Ratna Awardees
- PV Narasimha Rao:
- Born in 1921 in Andhra Pradesh’s Karimnagar.
- Served as the prime minister from June 21, 1991, to May 16, 1996.
- Additionally served as the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh
- Chaudhary Charan Singh:
- Born in 1902 in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut.
- Served as the prime minister from July 28, 1979, to January 14, 1980.
- A multi-faceted political figure who also held the position of chief minister of Uttar Pradesh twice.
- MS Swaminathan:
- Renowned agricultural scientist.
- Recognized for his outstanding contributions to the field of agriculture.
- LK Advani:
- Senior BJP leader and former BJP national president.
- Held key positions, including Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister in Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s cabinet.
- Karpoori Thakur:
- Born in Bihar’s Samastipur District in 1924.
- Served as the chief minister of Bihar twice, from December 1970 to June 1971 and then from December 1977 to April 1979.
This year’s Bharat Ratna awards stand out as the government chose to honor five distinguished individuals, showcasing their exceptional contributions to the nation