Bharat Ratna Award: Celebrating Extraordinary Contributions to India

The List of Bharat Ratna Awardees

The Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, was established on January 2, 1954, by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the nation’s first President. This prestigious honour recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields.

Each year, the Prime Minister nominates three recipients for the award. Winners receive a certificate called a Sanad, signed by the President. The medallion for the Bharat Ratna is shaped like a peepal leaf. Initially, the award focused on arts, literature, science, and public service, but in 2011, the Government expanded its scope to include any field of human endeavour.

Bharat Ratna

• The Bharat Ratna is India’s highest civilian award.
• Established on January 2, 1954.
• Initially focused on humanities, literature, sciences, and public service.
• Expanded in December 2011 to recognize contributions in “any field of human endeavour.”
• Recipients must demonstrate significant contributions in areas such as arts, science, literature, public service, and sports.
• Eligibility for the award requires fulfilling specific criteria.
• The Prime Minister nominates deserving candidates.
• Nominations are submitted to the President, who grants the award to the winners.
• As of February 2024, the Bharat Ratna award has been given to 53 People. However, Five People were awarded the Bharat Ratna in 2024, the highest number of awards given in a single year since 1999.

History of Bharat Ratna

• The Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, has a rich history dating back to its inception in 1954.
• On January 2, 1954, the President of India established it to honor exceptional service or performance of the highest order in any field of human endeavor.
• The term “Bharat Ratna” translates to “Jewel of India” in Hindi.
• The award underwent various amendments to its eligibility criteria over the years.
• Initially, it was only given to Indian citizens, but in 2011, the eligibility was expanded to include non-citizens as well.
• Additionally, the criteria were broadened to include contributions in fields such as art, literature, science, and public service.
• The first recipients of the Bharat Ratna were Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, and Dr. C. V. Raman, who were honored in 1954 for their outstanding contributions to their respective fields.
• Since then, the Bharat Ratna has been bestowed upon individuals from diverse backgrounds, including politicians, scientists, artists, and social reformers.
• Some notable recipients include Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela, Pandit Ravi Shankar, and Sachin Tendulkar.
• The Bharat Ratna is awarded by the President of India and is presented in the form of a medallion, a certificate, and a cash prize.
• It is a symbol of the nation’s highest recognition and appreciation for exceptional service and achievement.
• Over the years, the Bharat Ratna has come to embody the values of excellence, integrity, and dedication to the nation.

Eligibility of Bharat Ratna Awardees

The Bharat Ratna is India’s highest civilian honor, awarded for exceptional contributions in fields like public service, arts, science, literature, and sports. Here’s an overview of the eligibility and selection criteria: 

1. Eligibility Criteria 

• Indian Citizens: Primarily awarded to Indian citizens who have made extraordinary contributions in their respective fields. 
• Foreign Nationals: Foreign nationals can also be awarded for significant contributions to India, though this is rare. 

2. Fields of Recognition 

The Bharat Ratna is awarded for exceptional service in: 

• Public Service: Contributions in politics, governance, and social service. 

• Arts: Recognizing achievements in music, dance, cinema, and cultural contributions. 

• Literature: For notable writers, poets, and intellectuals. 

• Science: For advancements in scientific and technological research. 

• Sports: Recognizing athletes for bringing national pride through global achievements. 

3. Disqualifications 

• Sitting Members of Parliament/State Legislatures: Ministers or sitting MPs and state legislators are not eligible during their tenure. 

4. Posthumous Awarding 

The Bharat Ratna can be awarded posthumously to honor individuals who have passed away but made lasting contributions to the nation. 

5. Number of Recipients 

There is no fixed number of recipients each year. The decision rests with the President of India, based on the merit of the nominees. 

6. Selection Process 

• No Formal Nominations: The award is not based on a nomination process. The Prime Minister recommends the awardees to the President. 

• Centralized Decision: The final decision is made by the President, with consultation from the Prime Minister and other officials. 

7. One-Time Award 

A person can receive the Bharat Ratna Award only once. Re-awarding an individual is not allowed. 

8. Special Cases 

In rare instances, the Bharat Ratna Award may be given in extraordinary cases of national importance, such as posthumous recognition or in transformative historical contexts. 

9. Influence of Politics 

While the Bharat Ratna Award is intended to recognize genuine contributions, there have been discussions about the political influence on the selection process. 

10. Presentation 

• Award Ceremony: The award is presented by the President of India in a formal ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. 

• Medal: The medal features a map of India and the inscription “Bharat Ratna Award.” 

11. Recent Changes to Eligibility 

• Exclusion of Ministers and Legislators: In 2011, the eligibility criteria were amended to exclude sitting members of Parliament, state legislators, and ministers.

The First Bharat Ratna Awardees

• Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan:
  • Born on September 5, 1888, in Tamil Nadu.
  • Distinguished philosopher, statesman, and the first Vice President (1952-1962) and second President (1962-1967) of India.
  • Renowned for contributions to philosophy and education, advocating holistic learning and moral development.
• Chakravarti Rajagopalachari (Rajaji):
  • Prominent lawyer, politician, and freedom fighter.
  • Served as the last Governor-General of India (1948-1950).
• Dr. C. V. Raman:
  • Born on November 7, 1888, in Tamil Nadu.
  • Renowned physicist; Nobel Prize in Physics (1930) for groundbreaking work in light scattering.

In 1954, these exceptional individuals received the Bharat Ratna for their outstanding contributions and service to the nation. Their legacy continues to inspire generations of Indians.

List of Bharat Ratna Awardees

Recipients (State/UT)	Year	About
C. Rajagopalachari/ Rajaji (Tamil Nadu)	1954	Lawyer, statesman, and activist
Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan (Tamil Nadu)	1954	First Vice-President and Second President of India
C. V. Raman (Tamil Nadu)	1954	Mathematicians, scientists, and physicists
Bhagwan Das (Uttar Pradesh)	1955	Educationist, activist, and philosopher
M. Visvesvaraya (Karnataka)	1955	Mysore’s Diwan, statesman, and civil engineer
Jawaharlal Nehru (Uttar Pradesh)	1955	Author and activist who held the position of Indian prime minister
Govind Ballabh Pant (Uttarakhand)	1957	First Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and activist
Dhondo Keshav Karve (Maharashtra)	1958	Social activist and Educator
Bidhan Chandra Roy (West Bengal)	1961	Social worker, educator, philanthropist, politician, and physician
Purushottam Das Tandon (Uttar Pradesh)	1961	Speaker of the United Provinces Legislative Assembly and activist
Rajendra Prasad (Bihar)	1962	Activist, lawyer, statesman, and scholar
Zakir Husain (Andhra Pradesh)	1963	Activist, economist, and education philosopher served as a Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University and the Governor of Bihar
Pandurang Vaman Kane (Maharashtra)	1963	Indian scholar and Sanskrit expert, renowned for his five-volume literary composition
Lal Bahadur Shastri (Uttar Pradesh) *	1966	Activist and served as the second Prime Minister of India
Indira Gandhi (Uttar Pradesh)	1971	India’s first female prime minister
V. V. Giri (Odisha)	1975	Trade Unionist
K. Kamaraj (Tamil Nadu) *	1976	Former Tamil Nadu chief minister and independence fighter
Mother Teresa (West Bengal, born in North Macedonia)	1980	The founder of the Missionaries of Charity and a Catholic nun
Vinoba Bhave (Maharashtra) *	1983	Social reformer, activist, and close friend of Mahatma Gandhi
Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan (Pakistan)	1987	First non-citizen and activist for independence
M. G. Ramachandran (Tamil Nadu) *	1988	Actor turned politician and Tamil Nadu chief minister
B.R. Ambedkar (Maharashtra)	1990	Social reformer, Dalit activist, principal drafter of the Indian Constitution, and the nation’s first law minister.
Nelson Mandela(South Africa)	1990	Head of the South African Anti-Apartheid Movement and President of South Africa
Rajiv Gandhi (Uttar Pradesh)	1991	India’s ninth prime minister
Vallabhbhai Patel (Gujarat)	1991	First Deputy Prime Minister of India and activist
Morarji Desai (Gujarat)	1991	Prime Minister of India and activist
Abul Kalam Azad (West Bengal)	1992	First Minister of Education and an activist
J. R. D. Tata (Maharashtra)	1992	Businessman and a philanthropist
Satyajit Ray (West Bengal)	1992	A director, filmmaker, writer, novelist
Gulzarilal Nanda (Punjab)	1997	Activist and the interim Prime Minister of India
Aruna Asaf Ali (West Bengal)	1997	Activist
A.P.J Abdul Kalam (Tamil Nadu)	1997	Aerospace and defense scientist
M. S. Subbulakshmi (Tamil Nadu)	1998	Carnatic classical vocalist
Chidambaram Subramaniam (Tamil Nadu)	1998	Activist and the Agriculture Minister of India
Jayaprakash Narayan (Bihar)	1999	Activist and social reformer
Amartya Sen (West Bengal)	1999	Economist
Gopinath Bordoloi (Assam)	1999	Activist
Ravi Shankar (Uttar Pradesh)	1999	Musician, sitar player
Lata Mangeshkar (Maharashtra)	2001	Singer
Bismillah Khan (Uttar Pradesh)	2001	Hindustani classical shehnai player
Bhimsen Joshi (Karnataka)	2009	Hindustani classical vocalist
C. N. R. Rao (Karnataka)	2014	Chemist and professor, author
Sachin Tendulkar (Maharashtra)	2014	Cricketer
Madan Mohan Malaviya (Uttar Pradesh)	2015	Scholar and educational reformer
Atal Bihari Bajpayee (Madhya Pradesh)	2015	Nine times elected Lok Sabha , and twice Rajya Sabha member, and Former Prime Minister of India for three terms
Pranab Mukherjee (West Bengal)	2019	Former President of India
Nanaji Deshmukh (Maharashtra)	2019	Social activist
Bhupen Hazarika (Assam)	2019	Playback singer, lyricist, musician, singer, poet, and filmmaker from Assam
Karpoori Thakur(Bihar)	2024	Former Chief Minister of Bihar
Lal Krishna Advani	2024	Former Bhartiya Janta Party Leader
MS Swaminathan(Thiruvananthapuram)	2024	Father of Green Revolution
Chaudhary Charan Singh(Uttar Pradesh)	2024	Former Prime minister who championed the farming industry and protected farmers’ rights
PV Narasimha Rao(Andhra Pradesh)	2024	Former Prime Minister

There have been some controversies and suspensions related to the Bharat Ratna:

1. The award was suspended twice in its history. The first time was in 1977 when Morarji Desai became the Prime Minister. His government withdrew all personal civil honours, including the Bharat Ratna, on July 13, 1977.
2. The second suspension happened in the mid-1990s when the Kerala High Court and the Madhya Pradesh High Court filed legal cases challenging the “constitutional validity” of the award.

Youngest Bharat Ratna Awardee: Sachin Tendulkar

• Sachin Tendulkar is the youngest recipient of the Bharat Ratna award.
• Born on April 24, 1973.
• Widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time.
• Received the Bharat Ratna on February 4, 2014, at the age of 40.
• Honoured for his unparalleled contributions to Indian cricket and outstanding international achievements.
• His career is marked by numerous records and accolades.
• Tendulkar is an iconic figure in both sports and Indian society.

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The Oldest Bharat Ratna Award recipient

• Nanaji Deshmukh is the oldest recipient of the Bharat Ratna award.
• Born on October 11, 1916.
• Prominent social activist, politician, and member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
• Awarded the Bharat Ratna posthumously on August 8, 2019, at the age of 102.
• Recognized for his lifelong dedication to social service, rural development, and nation-building.
• His efforts focused on uplifting marginalized communities and promoting grassroots democracy.
• Left a significant impact on Indian society, remaining an important figure throughout his life.

Bharat Ratna Award Facts

The Bharat Ratna is India’s highest civilian award, conferred by the President of India to honor exceptional contributions in fields such as literature, science, arts, public service, and sports. 

Fields of Recognition 

The Bharat Ratna recognizes excellence in the following areas: 

1. Public Service: For significant contributions to India’s progress in politics, social service, or leadership. 

2. Arts: Recognizes outstanding artists and performers in fields like music, dance, and theater. 

3. Literature: Awarded to writers, poets, and intellectuals who have made profound contributions to Indian literature. 

4. Science: Recognizes scientists and innovators for their exceptional contributions to scientific advancements. 

5. Sports: Honors athletes for achievements that bring global recognition to India. 

Award Design 

• Medal: The award features a gold medal with a map of India and an inscription reading “Bharat Ratna.” 

• No Fixed Number of Recipients: There is no fixed limit on the number of awards given each year. The President of India decides based on the merit of the nominees. 

• Presentation: The award is presented by the President of India during a formal ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. 

Notable Recipients 

Several prominent individuals have received the Bharat Ratna for their exceptional contributions, including: 

• Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: Former President of India and renowned scientist. 

• Mother Teresa: Humanitarian and founder of the Missionaries of Charity. 

• Sachin Tendulkar: Legendary cricketer with global acclaim. 

• Lata Mangeshkar: Iconic playback singer with a legacy in Indian music. 

Recent Trends 

In recent years, the Bharat Ratna has been awarded to individuals from diverse backgrounds, such as: 

• Bhupen Hazarika (2019): Legendary Assamese singer and composer. 

• Nanaji Deshmukh (2019): Social activist and leader focused on rural development. 

Controversies and Debates 

While the Bharat Ratna is a prestigious honor, it has sparked debates regarding the selection process. Some argue that the decision-making lacks transparency, and political influences may occasionally play a role in who receives the award. 

Conclusion 

The Bharat Ratna continues to be one of India’s most prestigious honors, recognizing extraordinary contributions across various fields. It stands as a beacon of excellence and national pride, celebrating the exceptional achievements that shape India’s development and culture.

List of Posthumous Recipients of the Bharat Ratna Award

A few people have received posthumous Bharat Ratna Awards. That is to say, they received their honor after passing away. The list of Bharat Ratna awardees who received posthumous honors is provided here.

• Lal Bahadur Shastri (Passed away on 11 January 1966)
• Kamaraj (Passed away on 2 October 1975)
• Vinoba Bhave (Passed away on 15 November 1982)
• M. G. Ramachandran (Passed away on 24 December 1987)
• B. R. Ambedkar (Passed away on 6 December 1956)
• Rajiv Gandhi (Passed away on 21 May 1991)
• Vallabhbhai Patel (Passed away on 15 December 1950)
• Abdul Kalam Azad (Passed away on 22 February 1958)
• Aruna Asaf Ali (Passed away on 29 July 1996)
• Jayaprakash Narayan (Passed away on 8 October 1979)
• Gopinath Bordoloi (Passed away on 5 August 1950)
• Madan Mohan Malaviya (Passed away on 12 November 1946)
• Bhupen Hazarika (Passed away on 5 November 2011)
• Nanaji Deshmukh (Passed away on 27 February 2010)

List Bharat Ratna Award winners 2024

• Karpoori Thakur: Renowned socialist leader and former Chief Minister of Bihar, posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna on the eve of his 100th birth anniversary.
• Lal Krishna Advani: Veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, conferred with the prestigious Bharat Ratna award for his contributions to Indian politics and public life.
• PV Narasimha Rao: Former Prime Minister of India, recognized for his leadership during critical phases of economic reform and liberalization.
• Chaudhary Charan Singh: Former Prime Minister of India, honored for his advocacy for farmers’ rights and agricultural reforms.
• MS Swaminathan: Renowned agricultural scientist, acknowledged for his pioneering work in agricultural research and development, particularly in the Green Revolution.

List of Former President Bharat Ratna Awardees

Over the period spanning from 1954 to 2024, several Presidents of India have been recipients of the prestigious Bharat Ratna Award. Among the 48 esteemed awardees, six Indian Presidents received the Bharat Ratna Award. The table below shows their names and the respective years when they were conferred with this honor:

Presidents of India	Year of Award
Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan	1954
Rajendra Prasad	1962
Zakir Hussain	1963
A. P. J. Abdul Kalam	1997
Dr. V V Giri	1975
Pranab Mukherjee	2019

Beyond Prestige: Bharat Ratna Benefits

While the Bharat Ratna award doesn’t come with money, awardees enjoy some special Bharat Ratna Benefits:

1. They are treated with the same respect as top government officials when travelling within India.
2. They receive a diplomatic passport, usually given only to diplomats, high-ranking government officers, and diplomatic couriers. This passport lets them use a separate immigration line at airports and access VIP lounges.
3. They can fly for free in the executive class for life.
4. The ‘Table of Precedence’ for state events ranks them at 7A, alongside the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, State Governors, former Presidents, Deputy Prime Minister, Chief Justice of India, and Speaker of Lok Sabha.
5. Awardees receive a special medallion, a miniature version, and a certificate signed by the President of India.
6. These privileges are also tax-free for Bharat Ratna recipients.

Bharat Ratna Prize Money

There is no Bharat Ratna prize money; recipients can’t use it as a title. They can only use phrases like ‘Awarded Bharat Ratna by the President’ to indicate they have received it.

They also receive a diplomatic passport, usually given to diplomats and top government officers, granting them separate immigration lines and VIP lounge access at airports. Despite the lack of monetary rewards, recipients receive a medallion, a miniature version, and a certificate signed by the President of India.

Conclusion

The Bharat Ratna, India’s top civilian award, started in 1954. Anyone with the Bharat Ratna Award has contributed to improving humanity in any field, like science, literature, arts, public service, and sports, regardless of their job, gender, or racism. The Bharat Ratna Award can be given to three people annually. The winners receives the award from the Indian President.

The Bharat Ratna Award has been given to 16 persons posthumously. It means the person who has died can also receive the Bharat Ratna Award for their great contributions. As you have studied above the list of Awardees, all played an important role in the betterment of our country. We must take inspiration from them and always do hard work.

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