Bharat ratna

The Bharat Ratna Award is the highest civilian award in India, bestowed upon individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the nation in various fields, such as arts, literature, science, and public service. Instituted in 1954, the award holds immense prestige and recognition in the country. It is presented by the President of India and is intended to honor those who have left an indelible mark on the nation's progress and development.

The Centre on January 23 2024 announced it would award the Bharat Ratna posthumously to Karpoori Thakur, former chief minister of Bihar. This is the birth centenary year of Thakur, also known as ‘Jannayak’, or the leader of the people.

Over the years, the Bharat Ratna has been awarded to a select group of exceptional individuals who have made outstanding contributions in their respective domains.

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1954): The first recipient of the Bharat Ratna, Dr. Radhakrishnan was a renowned philosopher and statesman. He served as India's first Vice President and second President and was known for his deep understanding of Indian philosophy and culture.

Dr. C. V. Raman (1954): A Nobel laureate in Physics, Dr. Raman made significant contributions to the field of light scattering, leading to the discovery of the "Raman Effect," which revolutionized the study of molecular and atomic structures.

Dr. Bhagwan Das (1955): A prominent freedom fighter, scholar, and philosopher, Dr. Bhagwan Das was honored for his exceptional work in promoting Indian culture and philosophy.

Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya (1955): An eminent engineer and statesman, Visvesvaraya is remembered for his role in developing modern infrastructure in India. He was also the chief engineer behind the construction of the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam in Karnataka.

Jawaharlal Nehru (1955): India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru played a pivotal role in shaping the nation's destiny. His leadership during the post-independence period was instrumental in laying the foundation for a democratic and secular India.

Dr. Zakir Hussain (1963): A renowned educationist and the third President of India, Dr. Zakir Hussain was honored for his contributions to the field of education and his efforts to promote communal harmony.

Indira Gandhi (1971): The first and only woman to hold the office of Prime Minister in India, Indira Gandhi was honored for her leadership during critical periods in the nation's history, including the 1971 war with Pakistan and the Green Revolution.

Mother Teresa (1980): Renowned for her selfless service to the poor and destitute, Mother Teresa received the Bharat Ratna for her exceptional humanitarian work in India.

Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (1997): Known as the "People's President," Dr. Kalam was a distinguished scientist and engineer who made significant contributions to India's space and defense programs. He later served as the President of India and was admired for his vision and leadership.

Sachin Tendulkar (2014): The legendary cricketer, often referred to as the "God of Cricket," Sachin Tendulkar received the Bharat Ratna for his outstanding contribution to the sport of cricket and for inspiring generations of young Indians.

Lata Mangeshkar and Bismillah Khan (2001),Bhimsen Joshi (2008),C. N. R. Rao ,Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Madan Mohan Malaviya (2015),Nanaji Deshmukh, Bhupen Hazarika and Pranab Mukherjee (2019) have also been conferred the Bharat Ratna Award.