The Bharat Ratna: India's Highest Civilian Honour
The Bharat Ratna, India's most prestigious civilian award, is a symbol of exceptional service and achievement in the fields of human endeavor. The award was established on January 2, 1954, and has since been conferred upon a select group of individuals who have made significant contributions to the nation. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Bharat Ratna, its history, and a list of its recipients.
Introduction
The Bharat Ratna, translating to "Jewel of India", is the highest civilian award of the Republic of India. The award recognizes exceptional service of the highest order in any field of human endeavor, irrespective of race, occupation, position, or sex. The recipient receives a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President of India and a medallion.
History of the Bharat Ratna
The Bharat Ratna was instituted by the then President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, on January 2, 1954. Originally, the award was limited to achievements in the arts, literature, science, and public services. However, in December 2011, the criteria were expanded to include "any field of human endeavor".
Interestingly, the 1954 statutes did not permit posthumous awards. However, this was modified in the January 1955 statute, and Lal Bahadur Shastri became the first recipient to be honoured posthumously in 1966.
Design of the Bharat Ratna
The Bharat Ratna medallion is made of gold, 35 mm in diameter. The obverse features a portrait of the Sun God and the reverse has the inscription "Bharat Ratna". A miniature replica of the medallion, made of silver, is also given to the recipient.
Selection Process
The Bharat Ratna is not awarded according to a regular annual schedule. Recommendations for the Bharat Ratna are made by the Prime Minister to the President. The number of annual awards is restricted to a maximum of three in a particular year.
Notable Recipients of the Bharat Ratna
The first recipients of the Bharat Ratna in 1954 were C. Rajagopalachari, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, and Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman. Over the years, the award has been bestowed upon a number of distinguished individuals.
Bharat Ratna 1954
- C. Rajagopalachari (1954): Rajagopalachari, also known as Rajaji, was an Indian independence activist, lawyer, writer, and statesman. He was the last Governor-General of India and the first Indian-born Governor-General, serving from 1948 to 1950. His contribution to India's freedom struggle and his efforts towards nation-building earned him the Bharat Ratna.
- Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1954): Radhakrishnan was a philosopher and statesman who served as the first Vice President of India (1952–1962) and the second President of India (1962–1967). He was one of India's most distinguished scholars of comparative religion and philosophy, and his advocacy for education and culture made him a worthy recipient of the Bharat Ratna.
- C.V. Raman (1954): Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman was an Indian physicist known for his groundbreaking work in the field of light scattering, which earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930. His discovery, known as the Raman Effect, had a profound impact on the scientific community and solidified India's reputation in the field of physics, making him a fitting recipient of the Bharat Ratna.
Bharat Ratna 1955
- Bhagwan Das (1955): Bhagwan Das was an Indian independence activist, philosopher, and educationist. He was a prominent figure in the Indian freedom struggle and later dedicated his life to the promotion of education and philosophy. His tireless efforts towards social reform and intellectual development made him a deserving recipient of the Bharat Ratna.
- M. Visvesvaraya (1955): Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya was a distinguished Indian engineer, statesman, and the Diwan of Mysore. He is best remembered for his contributions to engineering, especially in the fields of irrigation and flood control. His innovative solutions to various engineering challenges and his role in nation-building made him a revered figure in India, earning him the Bharat Ratna.
- Jawaharlal Nehru (1955): Nehru was a central figure in Indian politics both before and after independence. As the first Prime Minister of independent India, he played a crucial role in shaping the country's political, economic, and social landscape. His vision for a modern, democratic, and secular India, as well as his leadership during the formative years of the nation, made him an iconic figure and a worthy recipient of the Bharat Ratna.
Bharat Ratna 1957
- Govind Ballabh Pant (1957): Pant was an Indian freedom fighter and one of the architects of modern India. He played a key role in the Indian independence movement and later served as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and as a Union Home Minister. His contributions to the socio-political development of India, particularly in the fields of governance and administration, earned him the Bharat Ratna.
Bharat Ratna 1958
- Dhondo Keshav Karve(1958):Dhondo Keshav Karve, a social reformer and educator, was honored with the Bharat Ratna for his pioneering contributions to women's education and social upliftment in India. Karve's establishment of the first university for women in India, along with his advocacy for widows' rights and female education, remains his enduring legacy.
Bharat Ratna 1961
- Purushottam Das Tandon(1961):Purushottam Das Tandon, awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1961, was a key figure in India's struggle for independence. A prominent leader, he played a crucial role in the promotion of Hindi language and was instrumental in the adoption of Hindi as the official language of India. His efforts fostered national unity and linguistic harmony.
- Bidhan Chandra Roy(1961):Bidhan Chandra Roy, recipient of the Bharat Ratna in 1961, was a distinguished physician, freedom fighter, and politician. He made significant contributions to the fields of medicine and public health, serving as the Chief Minister of West Bengal for 14 years and establishing several renowned medical institutions, including the Indian Institute of Mental Health.
Bharat Ratna 1962
- Rajendra Prasad (1962): Prasad was a prominent political leader and lawyer who served as the first President of India from 1950 to 1962. He played a crucial role in the Indian independence movement and later contributed significantly to the drafting of the Indian Constitution. His steadfast commitment to the principles of democracy and his role in shaping the nascent republic of India made him a fitting recipient of the Bharat Ratna.
Bharat Ratna 1963
- Zakir Hussain (1963): Hussain was an Indian educator, diplomat, and the third President of India, serving from 1967 until his death in 1969. He was a staunch advocate of education and worked tirelessly to promote the cause of universal literacy and social justice. His contributions to the field of education and his efforts towards fostering communal harmony and national integration made him a worthy recipient of the Bharat Ratna.
- Pandurang Vaman Kane(1963):Pandurang Vaman Kane, honored with the Bharat Ratna in 1963, was a distinguished Indologist and Sanskrit scholar. His groundbreaking research and extensive writings illuminated India's rich cultural heritage. His monumental work, the "History of Dharmasastra," remains a seminal contribution to the understanding of ancient Indian jurisprudence and ethics.
Bharat Ratna 1966
- Lal Bahadur Shastri(1966): Former Prime Minister of India who played a significant role in India's freedom struggle and introduced several economic and social reforms during his tenure. He is remembered for his slogan "Jai Jawan Jai Kisan" (Hail the Soldier, Hail the Farmer) which emphasized the importance of both the armed forces and agricultural sector.
Bharat Ratna 1971
- Indira Gandhi(1971): The first and only female Prime Minister of India, she played a crucial role in shaping the nation's political landscape. She was known for her strong leadership during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, which resulted in the creation of Bangladesh, and for her implementation of the Green Revolution, which significantly increased agricultural productivity in India.
Bharat Ratna 1975
- V.V. Giri(1975): A prominent labor leader and politician, he served as the fourth President of India. Giri was instrumental in championing the rights of workers and played a key role in the enactment of labor laws to protect their interests.
Bharat Ratna 1976
- K. Kamaraj(1976): Known as the "Kingmaker" in Indian politics, K. Kamaraj was a freedom fighter and a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress. He played a crucial role in promoting education and introduced the "Kamaraj Plan" to rejuvenate the Congress party.
Bharat Ratna 1980
- Mother Teresa(1980): A Roman Catholic nun and missionary, Mother Teresa dedicated her life to serving the poorest of the poor. She founded the Missionaries of Charity, which provided care and support to the destitute, sick, and dying in Kolkata (Calcutta) and around the world.
Bharat Ratna 1983
- Vinoba Bhave(1983): A disciple of Mahatma Gandhi, Vinoba Bhave was a prominent social reformer and advocate of nonviolence. He played a leading role in the Bhoodan Movement, encouraging landowners to voluntarily donate land to the landless, and promoted the idea of Sarvodaya (welfare of all).
Bharat Ratna 1987
- Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan(1987): Known as the "Frontier Gandhi," Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan was a Pashtun independence activist who advocated for nonviolent resistance against British rule in India. He was a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi and played a significant role in the Khudai Khidmatgar movement.
Bharat Ratna 1988
- M.G. Ramachandran (1988): Actor and politician. He was a popular film star who later ventured into politics, serving as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and implementing several welfare schemes for the state's development.
Bharat Ratna 1990
- B.R. Ambedkar (1990): Architect of the Indian Constitution. He fought against social discrimination and worked towards the upliftment of the marginalized communities, particularly the Dalits, through legal and constitutional means.
- Nelson Mandela (1990): South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and statesman. He led the struggle against racial discrimination in South Africa and served as the country's first black President, promoting reconciliation and unity.
Bharat Ratna 1991
- Rajiv Gandhi (1991): Former Prime Minister of India. He focused on modernizing India's economy and infrastructure while promoting technology and education during his tenure as Prime Minister.
- Vallabhbhai Patel (1991): Independence activist and first Deputy Prime Minister of India. He played a crucial role in the integration of princely states into independent India, earning him the title "Iron Man of India."
- Morarji Desai (1991): Former Prime Minister of India. He served as the Prime Minister of India, focusing on economic reforms, rural development, and promoting Gandhian principles of self-reliance and simplicity.
Bharat Ratna 1992
- Abul Kalam Azad (1992): Freedom fighter and first Minister of Education of India. He was a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement and played a crucial role in promoting education and communal harmony.
- J.R.D. Tata(1992): A pioneer in Indian aviation, J.R.D. Tata founded Tata Airlines, which later became Air India. He also played a significant role in industrializing India, establishing various companies under the Tata Group, contributing immensely to the country's economic development and growth.
- Satyajit Ray(1992): Renowned filmmaker, Satyajit Ray, revolutionized Indian cinema with his masterpieces like the Apu Trilogy. His films depicted the human condition with depth and authenticity, earning international acclaim and putting Indian cinema on the global stage, making him a cultural icon and an inspiration for generations of filmmakers.
Bharat Ratna 1997
- A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (1997): Aerospace scientist and 11th President of India. He made significant contributions to India's space and missile programs and later served as the President, inspiring the youth with his vision and leadership.
- Gulzarilal Nanda(1997):Gulzarilal Nanda served as the interim Prime Minister of India twice and played a crucial role in shaping the nation's economic policies and governance during critical periods of transition. His leadership during challenging times ensured stability and progress for the country.
- Aruna Asaf Ali(1997):Aruna Asaf Ali, known as the "Grand Old Lady of the Independence Movement," was a prominent freedom fighter who fearlessly fought against British colonial rule. Her courageous acts, including hoisting the Indian National Congress flag during the Quit India Movement, inspired countless others to join the struggle for independence.
Bharat Ratna 1998
- M.S. Subbulakshmi (1998): Carnatic vocalist. She was one of the greatest classical singers of India, known for her mesmerizing voice and devotion to music, earning her the title "Queen of Music."
- Chidambaram Subramaniam(1998):Chidambaram Subramaniam, an Indian politician, made significant contributions to agriculture and rural development. As Minister of Agriculture, he introduced pioneering reforms like the Green Revolution, transforming India's agricultural landscape. His visionary leadership and commitment to rural upliftment earned him recognition and the Bharat Ratna award in 1998.
Bharat Ratna 1999
- Jayaprakash Narayan (1999): Independence activist and political leader. He played a crucial role in the Indian independence movement and later emerged as a prominent leader in the fight against corruption and authoritarianism.
- Amartya Sen (1999): Economist and Nobel laureate. He made significant contributions to welfare economics and development economics, advocating for policies to alleviate poverty and inequality.
- Gopinath Bordoloi (1999): Independence activist and politician. He played a crucial role in the Indian independence movement, particularly in Assam, and later served as the first Chief Minister of Assam.
- Ravi Shankar (1999): Sitar virtuoso and composer. He popularized Indian classical music internationally and collaborated with several prominent musicians worldwide, promoting cultural exchange and understanding.
Bharat Ratna 2001
- Lata Mangeshkar (2001): Playback singer. She is one of the most renowned playback singers in Indian cinema, known for her melodious voice and contributions to Indian music.
- Bismillah Khan(2001):Ustad Bismillah Khan, a maestro of the shehnai, enriched India's cultural heritage with his mesmerizing music, earning him the prestigious Bharat Ratna award.
Bharat Ratna 2009
- Bhimsen Joshi (2009): Hindustani classical vocalist. He was one of the greatest exponents of the Kirana gharana and contributed significantly to the enrichment of Indian classical music.
Bharat Ratna 2014
- Sachin Tendulkar (2014): Cricketer. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket, breaking numerous records and inspiring millions with his talent and dedication to the sport.
- C. N. R. Rao(2014):C. N. R. Rao, a prominent Indian chemist, was awarded the Bharat Ratna for his exceptional contributions to scientific research and education. His pioneering work in the field of solid-state and structural chemistry has significantly advanced India's scientific prowess and international reputation.
Bharat Ratna 2015
- Atal Bihari Vajpayee (2015): Former Prime Minister of India. He was a prominent leader in Indian politics, known for his oratorical skills, statesmanship, and contributions to economic reforms and infrastructure development.
- Madan Mohan Malaviya(2015):Madan Mohan Malaviya, a prominent Indian educationist and politician, was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 2015. He was a key figure in the Indian independence movement and played a significant role in the founding of the Banaras Hindu University, promoting education and social reform.
Bharat Ratna 2019
- Pranab Mukherjee (2019): Former President of India. He served as a key figure in Indian politics, holding various ministerial portfolios and later becoming the President, contributing to the country's governance and diplomatic relations.
- Nanaji Deshmukh (2019): Social activist. He worked towards rural development and empowerment, advocating for self-sufficiency and community-driven initiatives for the welfare of marginalized sections of society.
- Bhupen Hazarika (2019): Singer, lyricist, musician, poet, and filmmaker. He was a cultural icon in India's northeastern region, known for his contributions to Assamese music, literature, and cinema, promoting cultural harmony and social awareness.
Bharat Ratna 2024
- Karpoori Thakur (Posthumous2024):Karpoori Thakur served as the Chief Minister of Bihar from 1977 to 1979 and 1989 to 1990. He was known for his championing of the cause of the underprivileged, particularly farmers and backward castes. He implemented several populist policies aimed at improving their lives, such as land reforms and reservations in government jobs.
- Chaudhary Charan Singh (Posthumous2024):Chaudhary Charan Singh served as the fifth Prime Minister of India from 1979 to 1980. He was a prominent leader of the farmers' movement in India and focused on agricultural reforms during his tenure as Prime Minister. He implemented policies such as the introduction of a national agricultural insurance scheme and the setting up of a farmer's commission to address their concerns.
- L. K. Advani(2024): L. K. Advani is a veteran Indian politician who served as the Deputy Prime Minister of India from 1998 to 2004. He is a prominent figure in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and has played a key role in shaping the party's ideology and policies. He is known for his advocacy for Hindutva, a Hindu nationalist ideology.
- M. S. Swaminathan (Posthumous2024): M. S. Swaminathan is known as the "Father of the Green Revolution in India" for his significant contributions to improving agricultural productivity in the country. He developed high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice, along with other agricultural practices, that helped India achieve food security. He also advocated for sustainable agricultural practices and the rights of farmers.
Conclusion
The Bharat Ratna is a symbol of the highest recognition conferred by the Republic of India. It is a testament to the recipient's exceptional service and contribution to the nation. The individuals awarded embody the spirit of service, innovation, and excellence that underpins the foundation of the nation. They are true jewels of India, their contributions shining brightly in the annals of the country's history.
FAQ
Q: What is the Bharat Ratna?
A: The Bharat Ratna is India's highest civilian award, conferred for exceptional service or performance of the highest order in any field of human endeavor.
Q: Who can receive the Bharat Ratna?
A: Any person, without distinction of race, occupation, position, or sex, is eligible for the Bharat Ratna. However, the award is only given to citizens of India.
Q: Who decides who receives the Bharat Ratna?
A: The Prime Minister of India makes recommendations to the President, who then approves and presents the award.
Q: How many people can receive the Bharat Ratna in a year?
A: There is no fixed number. The award can be conferred to as many individuals as the government deems fit in a particular year.
Q: Can the Bharat Ratna be awarded posthumously?
A: Yes, the Bharat Ratna can be awarded posthumously.
Q: When was the Bharat Ratna instituted?
A: The Bharat Ratna was instituted on January 2, 1954.
Q: What is the design of the Bharat Ratna medal?
A: The Bharat Ratna medal is in the shape of a peepal leaf and made of toned bronze. It bears the emblem of India in the center with the word "Bharat Ratna" inscribed below it in Devanagari script.
Q: How many people have received the Bharat Ratna so far?
A: As of my last update in January 2022, a total of 48 individuals have been awarded the Bharat Ratna. However, this number may have changed since then.
