Bharat Ratna: The Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, stands as a testament to exceptional service and contributions in various fields. Instituted in 1954 under the leadership of India’s first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the award initially honored only living individuals. However, it later evolved to include posthumous recognitions, celebrating the enduring legacies of those who have profoundly impacted the nation.
The Significance and Privileges of Being a Bharat Ratna Awardee
Recipients of the Bharat Ratna are not just conferred with a certificate and a medal; they are bestowed with a legacy that transcends material rewards. The awardees receive no monetary prize but are honored with unparalleled recognition and special privileges. These privileges include invitations to government events and access to facilities typically reserved for high-ranking officials, such as complimentary railway travel. The protocol associated with the award ranks the recipients alongside the nation’s most esteemed leaders, reflecting the profound respect and acknowledgment they receive from the government at both central and state levels.
A Symbol of Unity: Recognizing Global Figures
The Bharat Ratna’s reach extends beyond national borders, embracing global icons who have contributed significantly to humanity. Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, famously known as Frontier Gandhi, holds the distinction of being the only Pakistani and the first non-Indian recipient of this honor. This recognition underscores the award’s commitment to global peace and brotherhood, further exemplified by the honoring of international luminaries like Mother Teresa and Nelson Mandela.
Recent Laureates of the Bharat Ratna
The Bharat Ratna’s recent recipients include former President Pranab Mukherjee in 2019, recognized for his lifelong dedication to public service. In the same year, social activist Nanaji Deshmukh and the renowned artist Dr. Bhupen Hazarika were posthumously awarded, celebrating their extraordinary contributions to society and the arts, respectively.
Expanding Horizons: Inclusivity in Bharat Ratna Awards
In a landmark move in 2014, the Bharat Ratna opened its doors to sporting excellence by honoring cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. This inclusion, initiated in 2013, marked a significant expansion in the award’s scope, acknowledging the vital role of sports in national pride and unity. The Bharat Ratna has seen intermittent periods of suspension but has always emerged renewed, reflecting its resilience and enduring significance. To date, 49 esteemed personalities have been graced with this honor.
The Evolution and Pause of the Bharat Ratna
Over the years, the Bharat Ratna has witnessed periods of hiatus, with no awards presented in certain years due to various reasons. These pauses occurred in years such as 1956, 1959, 1960, 1964, 1965, 1967, 1968-70, 1972-1974, 1977-1979, 1981, 1982, 1984-86, 1993-96, 2000, 2002-2008, 2010-2013, and 2020-22. Each resumption of the award has been a reminder of its prestige and the high standards set for its recipients.
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