Bharat Ratna Awards
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Bharat Ratna Awards List |
Bharat Ratna Awards: Celebrating India's Finest Contributions
Introduction:
The Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, holds a distinguished place in the heart of every Indian. Established in 1954, the prestigious honor seeks to recognize and celebrate individuals' exceptional contributions to various fields, be it science, arts, literature, social service, or public affairs. Throughout its history, the Bharat Ratna has adorned the necks of illustrious personalities who have left an indelible mark on society, inspiring generations with their exemplary work and dedication. In this article, we delve into the history, criteria, notable recipients, and the significance of the Bharat Ratna in shaping India's pride and identity.
1. History and Origin of Bharat Ratna:
The concept of honoring eminent individuals with a national award was first mooted by Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the then-Vice President of India. He envisioned an award that would recognize exceptional contributions to the nation beyond the confines of politics and official service. The idea materialized when the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, instituted the Bharat Ratna on January 2, 1954, through a presidential notification. The first recipients of this prestigious award were Dr. C. Rajagopalachari, Sir C.V. Raman, and Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan himself.
2. Criteria for Selection:
Over the years, the criteria for selecting Bharat Ratna awardees have evolved to reflect the changing dynamics of Indian society. Initially, the award was granted primarily for achievements in art, literature, science, and public service. However, in 2011, the criteria were expanded to include "any field of human endeavor." The nominees are considered by a committee comprising the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice of India, and eminent personalities from various fields.
3. Distinguished Recipients:
Since its inception, the Bharat Ratna has adorned the deserving necks of numerous exceptional individuals. Some of the iconic awardees include:
- Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: The "Missile Man of India" and former President, known for his significant contributions to India's space and defense programs.
- Mother Teresa: The epitome of compassion and selfless service, who dedicated her life to helping the destitute and sick.
- Sachin Tendulkar: Cricket legend and one of the greatest batsmen in the history of the sport, who enthralled the nation with his extraordinary talent.
- Lata Mangeshkar: The Nightingale of India, renowned playback singer, and cultural icon.
- Pandit Ravi Shankar: The sitar maestro, who popularized Indian classical music on the global stage.
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: Architect of the Indian Constitution and a social reformer who tirelessly fought for the rights of the marginalized.
4. Impact and Significance:
Receiving the Bharat Ratna is not just an acknowledgment of an individual's accomplishments; it is a testament to the power of perseverance, dedication, and passion to create positive change. The award acts as a source of inspiration, motivating both the recipient and the masses to strive for excellence in their respective fields. It symbolizes the embodiment of India's rich heritage and its aspirations for a better future.
5. Bharat Ratna and National Pride:
The Bharat Ratna is more than just an award; it is a symbol of national pride. It unites the nation in celebrating its heroes, irrespective of linguistic, cultural, or regional differences. The awardees become icons, transcending boundaries and inspiring millions of Indians to dream big and contribute meaningfully to society.
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6. Comparison with Other Civilian Awards:
While India boasts several other civilian awards, such as the Padma Vibhushan and the Padma Shri, the Bharat Ratna stands apart due to its unique position as the highest honor. It is bestowed exclusively on individuals, and the limited number of recipients each year adds to its exclusivity and prestige.
The Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award in India, and these individuals have been recognized for their exceptional contributions and achievements in various fields.
Bharat Ratna awardees listed along with their respective fields of excellence
No. | Name | Field of Excellence | Year |
---|---|---|---|
1 | C. Rajagopalachari | Politics, Literature | 1954 |
2 | Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan | Public Affairs, Philosopher | 1954 |
3 | C. V. Raman | Science (Physics) | 1954 |
4 | Bhagwan Das | Social Service, Literature | 1955 |
5 | M. Visvesvaraya | Engineering | 1955 |
6 | Jawaharlal Nehru | Politics, Literature | 1955 |
7 | Govind Ballabh Pant | Politics | 1957 |
8 | Dhondo Keshav Karve | Social Service, Education | 1958 |
9 | Bidhan Chandra Roy | Medicine | 1961 |
10 | Purushottam Das Tandon | Social Service, Public Affairs | 1961 |
11 | Rajendra Prasad | Politics, Social Service | 1962 |
12 | Zakir Husain | Education | 1963 |
13 | Pandurang Vaman Kane | Literature, Indology | 1963 |
14 | Lal Bahadur Shastri | Politics | 1966 |
15 | Indira Gandhi | Politics | 1971 |
16 | V. V. Giri | Public Affairs | 1975 |
17 | K. Kamaraj | Public Affairs | 1976 |
18 | Mother Teresa | Social Service | 1980 |
19 | Vinoba Bhave | Social Service | 1983 |
20 | Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan | Social Service | 1987 |
21 | M. G. Ramachandran | Film and Politics | 1988 |
22 | B. R. Ambedkar | Social Service, Law | 1990 |
23 | Nelson Mandela | Social Service (Foreign Awardee) | 1990 |
24 | Rajiv Gandhi | Politics | 1991 |
25 | Vallabhbhai Patel | Politics | 1991 |
26 | Morarji Desai | Politics | 1991 |
27 | Abdul Kalam | Science (Space & Defense) | 1997 |
28 | Gulzarilal Nanda | Public Affairs | 1997 |
29 | Aruna Asaf Ali | Social Service | 1997 |
30 | A. P. J. Abdul Kalam | Science (Aerospace Engineering) | 1997 |
31 | M. S. Subbulakshmi | Music (Carnatic Vocalist) | 1998 |
32 | Chidambaram Subramaniam | Public Affairs, Agriculture | 1998 |
33 | Jayaprakash Narayan | Public Affairs, Social Service | 1999 |
34 | Ravi Shankar | Arts (Sitar) | 1999 |
35 | Amartya Sen | Economics | 1999 |
36 | Gopinath Bordoloi | Public Affairs | 1999 |
37 | Lata Mangeshkar | Music (Playback Singing) | 2001 |
38 | Bismillah Khan | Arts (Shehnai) | 2001 |
39 | Bhimsen Joshi | Arts (Hindustani Classical Music) | 2009 |
40 | C. N. R. Rao | Science (Chemistry) | 2014 |
41 | Sachin Tendulkar | Sports (Cricket) | 2014 |
42 | Atal Bihari Vajpayee | Politics | 2015 |
43 | Madan Mohan Malaviya | Social Service, Education | 2015 |
44 | Pranab Mukherjee | Politics | 2019 |
45 | Nanaji Deshmukh | Social Service, Education | 2019 |
46 | Bhupen Hazarika | Arts (Music, Filmmaking) | 2019 |
Conclusion:
The Bharat Ratna is not merely an award; it represents the nation's profound gratitude and admiration for those who have enriched its tapestry through their exceptional contributions. It reminds us of the diversity and brilliance of India's talent and serves as a constant inspiration for individuals to strive for excellence and dedicate themselves to the betterment of society. As the Bharat Ratna continues to honor and celebrate the country's finest minds, it reinforces the collective aspiration of a progressive and prosperous India.
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