President Droupadi Murmu bestowed the prestigious Bharat Ratna award on former prime ministers PV Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh, agriculture scientist M S Swaminathan, and former Bihar chief minister Karpoori Thakur. The ceremony, attended by top dignitaries including Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, honored these leaders for their significant contributions to India's economy, rural development, and freedom struggle. This year, the government announced a total of five Bharat Ratna awards, including one for BJP stalwart L K Advani.
Bharat Ratna: Honoring India's Luminaries
The Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, is bestowed upon individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the nation. This year, President Droupadi Murmu conferred the prestigious honor on five distinguished individuals:
Former Prime Ministers
Agricultural Scientist
Former Bihar Chief Minister
BJP Stalwart
Background and History
The Bharat Ratna was instituted in 1954 and has been awarded to a select few individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary achievements in the fields of arts, science, literature, public service, and social work. The award is non-transferable and cannot be awarded posthumously except in exceptional circumstances.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Who is eligible for the Bharat Ratna award? Individuals who have made extraordinary contributions in the fields of arts, science, literature, public service, and social work are eligible for the award.
2. How many Bharat Ratna awards have been bestowed? As of 2022, 49 individuals have received the Bharat Ratna award since its inception in 1954.
3. What are the criteria for being awarded the Bharat Ratna? The criteria include exceptional achievement, national importance, and a distinguished record of service.
4. Why was L. K. Advani awarded the Bharat Ratna? Advani was recognized for his contributions to India's political landscape and his role in shaping the nation's political trajectory.
5. Who was the first recipient of the Bharat Ratna? Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the first Vice President and second President of India, was the inaugural recipient of the Bharat Ratna award in 1954.
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