The prestigious Bharat Ratna award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu to four well-deserving recipients, including former Prime Ministers PV Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh. The ceremony, held at the historic Durbar Hall in Rashtrapati Bhawan, also honoured agronomist MS Swaminathan. The posthumous recognition of these iconic leaders is a testament to their immense contributions to the nation.
Bharat Ratna: India's Highest Civilian Honor
The Bharat Ratna is India's highest civilian award, bestowed upon individuals who have made exceptional contributions to various fields, including art, literature, science, and public service. Instituted in 1954, this prestigious award is presented by the President of India.
Recent Bharat Ratna Ceremony
On November 23, 2022, President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Bharat Ratna award upon four distinguished recipients:
This recognition acknowledges their profound impact on shaping India's destiny.
Bharat Ratna: Background and Significance
The Bharat Ratna was initially conceived during the administration of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. The first awards were presented in 1955 to renowned scholars C.V. Raman, Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, and S. Radhakrishnan. Over the years, it has been bestowed upon some of the most illustrious individuals in Indian history, including:
The Bharat Ratna carries immeasurable prestige and recognition, symbolizing the gratitude of the nation for extraordinary achievements.
Top 5 FAQs on Bharat Ratna
Q1. What is the eligibility criterion for Bharat Ratna? A. The award is restricted to citizens of India who have rendered exceptional service in the fields of art, literature, science, and public service.
Q2. How many Bharat Ratnas have been awarded? A. As of 2022, a total of 49 individuals have received the Bharat Ratna award.
Q3. Can a person receive the Bharat Ratna posthumously? A. Yes, the award has been granted posthumously on several occasions, including to Lata Mangeshkar in 2022.
Q4. Who is the youngest recipient of Bharat Ratna? A. Malala Yousafzai received the award in 2014 at the age of 17.
Q5. What is the medal design of Bharat Ratna? A. The medal consists of a gold disk with a lotus flower encircled by a wreath of ears of corn. The words "Bharat Ratna" are inscribed in Hindi at the top.
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