The Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award in India, given in recognition of exceptional service towards the advancement of art, literature, science, and public services. Instituted in 1954, the award has been bestowed upon individuals from various fields who have made outstanding contributions to society. Let’s explore the comprehensive list of recipients who have been honored with the prestigious Bharat Ratna award.
History of Bharat Ratna
The Bharat Ratna was established on 2nd January 1954 by the first President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad. The term “Bharat Ratna” translates to “Jewel of India” in English, signifying the highest honor that can be bestowed upon an individual in the country. The award was originally limited to achievements in the arts, literature, science, and public services, but the criteria were later expanded to include any field of human endeavor.
Criteria for Awarding Bharat Ratna
The Bharat Ratna is awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions in any field of human endeavor. The recipients are selected by the President of India upon the recommendation of the Prime Minister. It is important to note that the Bharat Ratna is not conferred posthumously, and a recipient must be alive at the time of receiving the award.
List of Bharat Ratna Recipients
Since its inception, the Bharat Ratna has been awarded to numerous individuals who have left an indelible mark on Indian society. Some of the notable recipients include:
1. Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the second President of India, was among the first recipients of the Bharat Ratna in 1954. An eminent philosopher and statesman, he played a pivotal role in shaping modern India.
2. C. Rajagopalachari
Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, also known as Rajaji, was a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement and the only Indian to have served as the Governor-General of India. He was honored with the Bharat Ratna in 1954.
3. C. V. Raman
Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman was an eminent physicist whose groundbreaking work in the field of light scattering earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1954.
4. Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution and a champion of social justice, was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1990 for his immense contributions to the welfare of marginalized communities.
5. Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa, the Nobel laureate and founder of the Missionaries of Charity, dedicated her life to serving the poorest of the poor in India. She was honored with the Bharat Ratna in 1980.
6. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, also known as the “Missile Man of India,” served as the 11th President of India and played a key role in the development of India’s missile technology. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1997.
7. Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar, widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, was honored with the Bharat Ratna in 2014 for his outstanding contributions to Indian cricket.
8. Lata Mangeshkar
Lata Mangeshkar, the legendary playback singer, was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 2001 in recognition of her unparalleled contribution to Indian music.
9. Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela, the iconic anti-apartheid revolutionary and former President of South Africa, was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1990 for his global impact on human rights and social justice.
10. Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the former Prime Minister of India, was honored with the Bharat Ratna in 2015 for his exemplary leadership and statesmanship.
Notable Bharat Ratna Recipients
Apart from the individuals mentioned above, the Bharat Ratna has been awarded to several other distinguished personalities, including:
- Pandit Ravi Shankar – Sitar maestro
- M. S. Subbulakshmi – Carnatic vocalist
- Amartya Sen – Economist and Nobel laureate
- Lata Mangeshkar – Playback singer
- Madan Mohan Malaviya – Educationist and freedom fighter
- Bhimsen Joshi – Hindustani classical vocalist
- J. R. D. Tata – Industrialist and philanthropist
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Bharat Ratna
1. Can a foreign national be awarded the Bharat Ratna?
No, the Bharat Ratna is only conferred upon Indian citizens for exceptional service towards the advancement of art, literature, science, and public services.
2. Is there an age limit for receiving the Bharat Ratna?
There is no specific age limit for receiving the Bharat Ratna. Individuals of any age can be considered for the award based on their contributions.
3. Can the Bharat Ratna be revoked?
No, the Bharat Ratna once awarded cannot be revoked under any circumstances. It is a lifelong honor bestowed upon the recipient.
4. How many Bharat Ratna awards can be given in a year?
The Bharat Ratna is limited to a maximum of three recipients in a particular year.
5. Are posthumous awards considered for the Bharat Ratna?
No, the Bharat Ratna is not conferred posthumously. The recipient must be alive at the time of receiving the award.
6. Can organizations or institutions receive the Bharat Ratna?
No, the Bharat Ratna is only awarded to individuals for their exceptional contributions.
7. Is there a monetary reward associated with the Bharat Ratna?
No, the Bharat Ratna is purely an honorary award, and there is no monetary grant or special privileges associated with it.
8. How is the Bharat Ratna ceremony conducted?
The Bharat Ratna ceremony is typically held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s House) and is presided over by the President of India.
9. Can a sitting President or Prime Minister receive the Bharat Ratna?
Yes, sitting Presidents and Prime Ministers are eligible to receive the Bharat Ratna after completing their term in office.
10. Can sports personalities be awarded the Bharat Ratna?
Yes, sports personalities such as Sachin Tendulkar have been honored with the Bharat Ratna for their exceptional achievements in their respective fields.
The Bharat Ratna remains a symbol of recognition for individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to Indian society and serves as a reminder of the excellence and service that define the nation. The diverse list of recipients reflects the richness and depth of talent that India has produced across various spheres of human endeavor.
