Bharat Ratna: India’s Highest Civilian Honor

1.Bharat Ratna: Jewel of India

Bharat Ratna, meaning “Jewel of India,” is more than just a prestigious title; it represents the pinnacle of honor in India and was instituted in 1954. It has been awarded to 53 people till 11th Feb 2024, this esteemed award is a symbol of recognition for individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service or achieved exceptional feats across various fields. What sets Bharat Ratna apart is its inclusivity, as it doesn’t discriminate based on race, occupation, position, or gender.

This inclusivity reflects the democratic values of India, where merit and excellence are celebrated above all else. This article aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of the journey of Bharat Ratna since its inception, highlighting its historical significance, notable recipients spanning diverse domains, controversies surrounding its bestowal, and the profound impact it has had on both recipients and society at large. By delving into these aspects, we can gain a deeper understanding of the significance and reverence attached to this prestigious honor.

2. History and Significance of Bharat Ratna

Origin of Bharat Ratna:

The genesis of Bharat Ratna dates back to January 2, 1954, when it was established by the President of India. Initially, its purview was confined to recognizing excellence in the realms of arts, literature, science, and public services. However, recognizing the contributions of individuals across diverse domains, the scope of Bharat Ratna was subsequently broadened to encompass any field of human endeavor.

This expansion reflects the evolving nature of societal progress and the acknowledgment of excellence beyond traditional spheres. Over the years, Bharat Ratna has emerged as a beacon of inspiration and a symbol of national pride, honoring individuals who have left an indelible mark on the fabric of Indian society. By tracing its origins and evolution, we can appreciate the rich tapestry of achievements that have been celebrated through this prestigious award, underscoring its enduring significance in the annals of Indian history.

What is the symbol of Bharat Ratna?

The original 1954 specifications of the award was a circle made of gold 1+3⁄8 inches (35 mm) in diameter with a centered image of the sun on the obverse side. The text “Bharat Ratna”, in Devanagari Script, is inscribed on the upper edge in silver gilt with a wreath set along on the lower edge.

Criteria for Awarding the Bharat Ratna:

The Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, recognizes exceptional service and performance of the highest order in any field of human endeavor. While there are no strict quotas or rigid rules, here’s a glimpse into the key criteria:

Impact: The individual’s contribution must have significantly impacted India, nationally or internationally. This impact could be in fields like science, art, social work, public service, sports, or any area benefiting the nation.

Excellence: The achievement should be truly exceptional, exceeding standards and setting benchmarks for others. Consider this the “gold medal” of contributions, surpassing peers and leaving a lasting legacy.

Character: Though not explicitly stated, integrity, ethical conduct, and values aligned with India’s spirit are considered. The recipient should embody qualities worthy of such a prestigious honor.

Posthumous Awards: The award can be given posthumously, recognizing the lasting impact even after the individual’s passing.

No Restrictions: No restrictions exist on profession, origin, race, gender, or field of work. Anyone demonstrating exceptional contributions is eligible, making the award truly meritocratic.

Nomination and Selection: Nominations are confidential and made by the Prime Minister to the President. A high-level committee evaluates nominees before the President makes the final decision.

Remember, the Bharat Ratna is not just an award; it’s a symbol of excellence and inspiration. Recipients exemplify the highest standards of service and dedication, leaving a lasting mark on India’s progress and prosperity.

The First Bharat Ratna Award:

The 1^st  Bharat Ratna award was conferred in 1954. The inaugural recipients of this prestigious honor were Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who later became the President of India, and Dr. C. V. Raman, a renowned physicist known for his groundbreaking work in the field of light scattering, which led to the discovery of the Raman Effect.

These eminent personalities were recognized for their exceptional contributions to their respective fields and their significant impact on Indian society. Since then, the Bharat Ratna has been awarded to numerous individuals who have distinguished themselves through their outstanding achievements and service to the nation.

Current Nominations for Bharat Ratna:

As of today, there are no currently open nominations for the Ratna. Nominations for the Bharat Ratna are confidential and not made public, so it’s impossible to know who might be under consideration at any given time. Additionally, nominations are only accepted every five years, with the last round having occurred in 2024.

Therefore, any information you find online/ offline about current nominations for the Bharat Ratna would be unreliable and inaccurate. You can expect the next round of nominations to open sometime in 2029.

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3.Bharat Ratna Award Winners: Notable Recipients

Notable recipients of the bharat ratna winners include esteemed figures from diverse fields who have left an indelible mark on Indian society. From political leaders such as Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi to renowned scientists like C.V. Raman and A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the list reflects the breadth and depth of talent honored by this prestigious award.

Artists and writers such as Satyajit Ray and M.S. Subbulakshmi have also been recognized for their exceptional contributions to Indian culture and literature. These individuals stand as shining examples of excellence and serve as inspiration for future generations.

Political Leaders

Prominent political figures like Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi have been honored with the Bharat Ratna for their exemplary leadership and significant contributions to nation-building. Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s democratic institutions and guiding it through its formative years.

Indira Gandhi, the first female Prime Minister of India, implemented key policies that left a lasting impact on the nation’s socio-economic landscape. Rajiv Gandhi, while serving as Prime Minister, spearheaded initiatives aimed at modernizing India’s economy and fostering technological advancement. Their recognition with the Bharat Ratna underscores their pivotal roles in shaping India’s destiny.

Scientists and Academics:

Eminent scientists such as C.V. Raman and A.P.J. Abdul Kalam have been bestowed with the Bharat Ratna in recognition of their groundbreaking research and significant contributions to the advancement of science and technology in India. C.V. Raman, a Nobel laureate, made pioneering discoveries in the field of physics, particularly in the area of light scattering.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, widely known as the “Missile Man of India,” played a pivotal role in India’s missile and space technology programs, propelling the nation into the realm of space exploration. Their recognition with the Bharat Ratna highlights their immense impact on India’s scientific landscape and their enduring legacies as visionaries and innovators.

Artists and Writers

Renowned artists and writers such as Satyajit Ray and M.S. Subbulakshmi have been honored with the Bharat Ratna for their exceptional contributions to Indian culture and literature. Satyajit Ray, a legendary filmmaker, is celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to Indian cinema, with classics like “Pather Panchali” and “Apu Trilogy” earning international acclaim.

M.S. Subbulakshmi, a renowned Carnatic vocalist, captivated audiences with her mesmerizing performances and played a pivotal role in popularizing Indian classical music worldwide. Their recognition with the Bharat Ratna highlights their profound impact on India’s cultural heritage and their enduring legacies as cultural icons and creative visionaries.

Bharat Ratna Award Winners: Notable Recipients

The Bharat Ratna award itself does not come with any monetary rewards or financial benefits. Its significance lies solely in the prestigious recognition and respect it signifies. However, recipients do receive a few tangible items:

• Sanad (Certificate): A signed certificate from the President of India declaring the recipient as a Bharat Ratna awardee.
• Medallion: A bronze medallion in the shape of a peepal leaf, symbolizing growth and prosperity.
• Rank and Privileges: Recipients rank seventh in the Indian order of precedence, granting them certain honorary protocols and treatment during official events.
• Diplomatic Passport: In some cases, a diplomatic passport may be issued, though this is not guaranteed and subject to individual consideration.

While the tangible benefits are minimal, the true value of the Bharat Ratna lies in the honor and recognition it bestows upon exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to India’s progress and prosperity. It serves as a symbol of national pride and appreciation for their achievements.

Bharat Ratna Prize Money:

The prestigious Bharat Ratna award, while carrying immense honor, does not include any prize money. Its significance lies solely in the recognition and respect it bestows upon exceptional individuals. Recipients receive a certificate, medallion, and honorary privileges, but no financial gains. This emphasizes the award’s focus on honoring selfless service and outstanding contributions, not financial reward.

Benefits of Bharat Ratna:

The Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, is bestowed upon individuals for their exceptional contributions to the nation in various fields. While the primary significance of the award lies in its recognition and prestige, it does come with certain tangible benefits for the recipients.

• Diplomatic Passport: Awardees are entitled to a diplomatic passport, which provides them with access to VIP lounges at airports and a separate immigration counter.
• Lifetime Executive Class Air Travel: Bharat Ratna recipients receive a lifetime entitlement to free executive class travel on Air India, the national carrier.
• Precedence in Official Functions: The award places the recipients seventh in the Indian order of precedence, granting them certain honorary protocols and treatment during official events.
• Z-Category Security: Awardees can be provided with Z-category security, which is the highest level of security provided by the government, if deemed necessary.
• Pension: Recipients are entitled to a pension of 50% of the salary of the Prime Minister of India.
• State Guest Status: Bharat Ratna recipients are treated as state guests when traveling within India, with all logistical and protocol arrangements made by the respective state governments.
• Official Residence: The government may provide an official residence to the recipient, if necessary.
• Medical Facilities: Awardees are entitled to free medical facilities at government hospitals.

It’s important to note that the benefits of the Bharat Ratna are not exhaustive and may vary depending on the individual’s circumstances. The award is primarily a testament to the recipient’s exceptional achievements and contributions to the nation, and the benefits serve as a token of appreciation and respect for their service.

Additional Information:

• The award was instituted in 1954.
• The award is not restricted to Indian citizens; non-Indians can also be nominated.
• The award is announced on Republic Day every year.
• The President of India confers the award at a special ceremony.

The Bharat Ratna is a prestigious honor that recognizes and celebrates the achievements of individuals who have made significant contributions to India’s progress and prosperity.

First Woman to Receive Bharat Ratna:

The first woman to receive this pristragious award was Indira Gandhi in 1971. She was awarded the prestigious honor for her exceptional contributions to India’s advancement and well-being as the Prime Minister of the country from 1966 to 1977 and 1980 to 1984.

First Foreigner to Receive Bharat Ratna : Nelson Mandela Bharat Ratna

Nelson Mandela: Awarded in 1990, South Africa was still under apartheid at the time. Though not an Indian citizen, he wasn’t considered a “foreigner” in the traditional sense due to the complex political situation of South Africa at the time.

Therefore, depending on how you define “foreigner,” you could argue that neither Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan nor Nelson Mandela were truly the first foreigner to receive the Bharat Ratna. Nevertheless, they were both the first non-Indian citizens to be conferred the prestigious award.

Persons Other Than India to Get Award: 

The Bharat Ratna award does not have any specific quota for non-Indian citizens. While the award is primarily presented to Indian citizens for their exceptional contributions to the nation, the guidelines do leave room for non-Indians to be considered.

Here’s what to know:

• No specific quota: There’s no set number of awards reserved for non-Indians.
• Open to all nationalities: Nominations can be made for individuals of any nationality who have made significant contributions to India in any field.
• Previous non-Indian recipients: Two individuals not holding Indian citizenship have received the award:
  • Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan (1987): Pakistani Pashtun leader for his commitment to non-violence and efforts to build peace between India and Pakistan.
  • Nelson Mandela (1990): South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and first black president of South Africa, for his fight against racial discrimination and promoting human rights.

How Can a Non-Indian Get the Award?

• Exceptional contributions: Their contribution to India must be deemed truly exceptional and impactful.
• Following nomination process: Anyone can nominate a deserving individual following the nomination guidelines set by the government.
• Selection by committee: A committee, including eminent personalities, reviews the nominations and recommends recipients to the President of India.

While securing the Bharat Ratna as a non-Indian is challenging, it’s possible for individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the nation. Remember, the focus is on recognizing impactful service to India, regardless of nationality.

Latest Bharat Ratna Award l Bharat Ratna List:

As of February 11, 2024, a total of 53 individuals have been awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award. Of these, 48 were Indian citizens and 5 were non-Indian citizens.

The First Bharat Ratna was awarded to C. Rajagopalachari in 1954. The latest recipients were announced in 2024, and they are:

L. K. Advani

Karpuri Thakur

P. V. Narasimha Rao

M. S. Swaminathan

Chaudhary Charan Singh

The Bharat Ratna is awarded for exceptional contributions in any field, including art, literature, science, public service, and sports. The award is announced on Republic Day every year, and it is conferred by the President of India at a special ceremony.

Bharat Ratna awardees till date:

Year	Name	Field
1954	C. Rajagopalachari	Public service
1954	Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan	Education, philosophy
1954	Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman	Physics
1955	Bhagwan Das	Public service
1955	Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya	Engineering
1955	Jawaharlal Nehru	Public service
1957	Govind Ballabh Pant	Public service
1958	Dhondo Keshav Karve	Social work
1961	Bidhan Chandra Roy	Medicine
1961	Purushottam Das Tandon	Public service
1962	Rajendra Prasad	Public service
1963	Zakir Husain	Education
1963	Pandurang Vaman Kane	Indology
1966	Lal Bahadur Shastri	Public service (posthumous)
1971	Indira Gandhi	Public service
1975	Varahagiri Venkata Giri	Public service
1976	Kumaraswamy Kamraj	Public service (posthumous)
1980	Mother Teresa	Social work
1983	Acharya Vinoba Bhave	Public service (posthumous)
1987	Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan	Public service
1988	Marudur Gopalan Ramachandran	Public service (posthumous)
1990	Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar	Social work (posthumous)
1990	Nelson Mandela	Public service
1991	Rajiv Gandhi	Public service 25(posthumous)
1991	Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel	Public service (posthumous)
1991	Morarji Ranchhodji Desai	Public service
1992	Maulana Abul Kalam Azad	Public service (posthumous)
1992	Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhai Tata	Industry
1992	Satyajit Ray	Cinema
1997	Gulzarilal Nanda	Public service
1997	Aruna Asaf Ali	Public service (posthumous)
1997	A. P. J. Abdul Kalam	Science and technology
1998	Madurai Shanmukhavadivu Subbulakshmi	Music
1998	Chidambaram Subramaniam	Public service
1999	Jayaprakash Narayan	Public service (posthumous)
1999	Amartya Sen	Economics
2000	Gopinath Bordoloi	Public service (posthumous)
2001	Lata Mangeshkar	Music
2001	Bismillah Khan	Music
2002	M. S. Subbulakshmi	Music (posthumous)
2004	J. R. D. Tata	Industry (posthumous)
2007	Verghese Kurien	Social work
2007	Teji Bachchan	Public service (posthumous)
2008	C. N. R. Rao	Science and technology
2009	Pratibha Patil	Public service
2010	A. P. J. Abdul Kalam	Science and technology (posthumous)
2011	Kailash Satyarthi	Social work
2013	Sachin Tendulkar	Sports
2014	Madan Mohan Malaviya	Education (posthumous)
2014	Atal Bihari Vajpayee	Public service
2015	Pranab Mukherjee	Public service
2016	Nanaji Deshmukh	Social work (posthumous)
2017	Bhupen Hazarika	Music (posthumous)
2018	V. K. Krishna Menon	Public service (posthumous)
2019	Nanaji Deshmukh	Social work (posthumous)
2019	Pranab Mukherjee	Public service
2019	Bhupen Hazarika	Music (posthumous)
2020	No award
2021	No award
2022	No award
2023	No award
2024	Pamulaparthi Venkata Narasimha Rao	(Posthumous) Former Prime Minister of India 1991 to 1996
	Lal Krishna Advani	(Politician & Former Prime Minister of India
	Chaudhary Charan Singh,	(Posthumous) Former Prime Minister of India 1979-80
	Mankombu Sambasivan Swaminathan	(Posthumous) Agricultural Scientist
	Karpoori Thakur	(Posthumous) (Politician & Former Bihar Chief Minister

Sachin Tendulkar Bharat Ratna:

When a question comes to our mind “who is the only cricketer to be honoured with the bharat ratna” then the answer is “Sachin Tendulkar the Bharat Ratna”. Some other information about Sachin Tendulker-

• Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar is a former international cricket player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of the sport. He is the all-time highest scorer in both ODI and Test cricket.
• The Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award of the Republic of India. It is awarded for exceptional achievement in any field of human endeavour.
• Tendulkar was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 2014, becoming the first sportsperson to receive the award.

Tendulkar’s nomination for the Bharat Ratna was met with widespread support from the Indian public. He was considered a national icon and his achievements in cricket were seen as a source of pride for India.

The award of the Bharat Ratna to Tendulkar was seen as a fitting recognition of his achievements and his contribution to Indian cricket. It was also seen as a way of encouraging young people to take up the sport.

Tendulkar’s legacy is immense. He is considered a role model for millions of people around the world. He is an inspiration to young cricketers and his achievements in the sport will continue to be celebrated for many years to come.

• Here are some additional facts:
• Tendulkar was born in Mumbai, India, on April 24, 1973.
• He made his international cricket debut in 1989 at the age of 16.
• He retired from international cricket in 2013 after a 24-year career.
• He is the only player to have scored 100 centuries in international cricket.
• He is also the only player to have scored 34,000 runs in ODI cricket and 15,000 runs in Test cricket.

Other sportspersons who have been awarded the Bharat Ratna include Major Dhyan Chand, Milkha Singh, and K.D. Jadhav including Tendulkar

Atal Bihari Vajpayee Bharat Ratna

Atal Bihari Vajpayee was an Indian politician, statesman, and poet who served three terms as the 10th Prime Minister of India, first for a term of 13 days in 1996, then for a period of 13 months from 1998 to 1999, followed by a full term from 1999 to 2004. He was the first non-Indian National Congress prime minister to serve a full term in office. Vajpayee was one of the co-founders and a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party. He was a member of the RSS, a Hindu nationalist volunteer organisation. He was also a Hindi poet and a writer.

Vajpayee was born on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India. He was educated at the Victoria College, Gwalior, and the Government Sanskrit College, Gwalior. He joined the RSS in 1942 and participated in the Quit India Movement. He was arrested and imprisoned for 23 months.

After his release from prison, Vajpayee worked as a journalist and editor. He also began writing poetry. He was elected to the Lok Sabha in 1957 and served as a minister in the government of Prime Minister Morarji Desai from 1977 to 1979.

In 1980, Vajpayee became the president of the Bharatiya Janata Party. He led the party to victory in the 1998 Lok Sabha elections and became the prime minister. He served as prime minister until 2004.

During his tenure as prime minister, Vajpayee initiated several important economic and social reforms. He also improved India’s relations with Pakistan and other countries. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 2015.

Vajpayee died on August 16, 2018, in New Delhi, India. He was 93 years old.

Here are some of his achievements as Prime Minister:

• Initiated the Golden Quadrilateral project, which connected the four major cities of India with high-speed highways.
• Launched the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), which aimed to provide all-weather road connectivity to rural areas.
• Introduced the Right to Information Act (RTI), which gave citizens the right to access information from the government.
• Set up the National Advisory Council (NAC), which was a think tank that advised the government on various issues.
• Improved India’s relations with Pakistan and other countries.

Vajpayee was a popular and respected leader. He was known for his oratory skills, his wit, and his ability to connect with people. He was also a strong advocate for peace and harmony.

Lata Mangeshkar  Bharat Ratna

Lata Mangeshkar was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 2001, becoming the second playback singer to receive the award after M.S. Subbulakshmi. She was honored for her exceptional contributions to Indian music.

Mangeshkar’s career spanned over seven decades, and she sang over 30,000 songs in 36 Indian languages. She was known for her melodious voice and her ability to express a wide range of emotions through her singing.

Mangeshkar was a national icon and her songs were loved by people of all ages and backgrounds. She was also a popular figure in international circles, and her songs were featured in films and television shows around the world.

The Bharat Ratna is India’s highest civilian award, and it is given to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the country in any field. Mangeshkar’s award was a fitting recognition of her immense talent and her contributions to Indian music.

4. Controversies Surrounding Bharat Ratna

Criticisms of Selection Process:

The selection process for the Bharat Ratna has been marred by controversies, primarily centered around allegations of lack of transparency and political bias. Critics have often pointed out instances where deserving individuals were seemingly overlooked in favor of politically influential candidates.

The opacity surrounding the selection criteria and the perceived influence of political considerations have fueled skepticism and raised questions about the integrity of the awarding process.

Many argue that the Bharat Ratna should be awarded solely on the basis of merit and without any external pressures or biases. The persistent criticisms regarding the selection process underscore the need for greater transparency and accountability to ensure that the prestigious honor maintains its credibility and integrity.

Political Influence:

The Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, has unfortunately been subject to politicization on several occasions. Governments have been accused of awarding it to individuals not solely based on merit but rather due to their political affiliations.

This practice has led to controversies and debates regarding the integrity of the award. Critics argue that such politicization undermines the true essence of the Bharat Ratna, which should be reserved for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to society, irrespective of their political connections.

By succumbing to political pressures, the credibility of the award is called into question, casting a shadow over the achievements of deserving recipients and eroding public trust in the process.

5. Impact of Bharat Ratna

Bharat Ratna

Receiving the Bharat Ratna is regarded as the highest honor one can receive in India, bestowing immense prestige and recognition upon the recipient. It stands as a powerful testament to their exceptional contributions and achievements, signifying their unparalleled impact on society.

The award elevates the recipient to a distinguished status, garnering respect and admiration from fellow citizens and the international community alike. More than just a recognition of individual accomplishments, the Bharat Ratna symbolizes the ideals of excellence, service, and dedication to the betterment of society, inspiring others to follow in the footsteps of those honored with this prestigious accolade.

Contribution to Society

Receiving the Bharat Ratna is regarded as the highest honor one can receive in India, bestowing immense prestige and recognition upon the recipient. It stands as a powerful testament to their exceptional contributions and achievements, signifying their unparalleled impact on society.

The award elevates the recipient to a distinguished status, garnering respect and admiration from fellow citizens and the international community alike. More than just a recognition of individual accomplishments, the Bharat Ratna symbolizes the ideals of excellence, service, and dedication to the betterment of society, inspiring others to follow in the footsteps of those honored with this prestigious accolade.

6.Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bharat Ratna stands as a timeless symbol of excellence and service to the nation. Despite the controversies that have surrounded its selection process, its importance in acknowledging and honoring extraordinary individuals cannot be overstated. From political leaders to scientists, artists, and social reformers, the recipients of this prestigious award have left an indelible mark on Indian society, embodying the values of dedication, innovation, and selflessness.

As we reflect on its significance, we are reminded of the enduring legacy of those who have been honored with the Bharat Ratna and the profound impact they have had on shaping the course of our nation’s history. It serves as an everlasting source of inspiration, encouraging future generations to strive for excellence and service to society, ensuring that the spirit of the Bharat Ratna lives on for generations to come.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)