Bharat Ratna
Bharat Ratna (Hindi: भारत रत्न, meaning "Jewel of India") is the highest civilian award of the Republic of India. Instituted on 2 January 1954 by the then President Rajendra Prasad, the award is given in recognition of exceptional service or performance of the highest order in any field of human endeavour.[1]
History and Establishment
Originally, the Bharat Ratna was intended to recognize achievements in the fields of arts, literature, science, and public services. However, in December 2011, the criteria were expanded to include “any field of human endeavour,” thus widening the scope to include sports, social service, and other contributions of national importance.[2] The first three recipients of the award in 1954 were C. Rajagopalachari, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, and C. V. Raman.
Design and Appearance
The Bharat Ratna medal is in the shape of a peepal leaf, approximately 35 mm wide and 44 mm long. On the obverse, it features the sunburst design with the words "Bharat Ratna" inscribed in Devanagari script. The reverse side bears the State Emblem of India and the national motto "Satyameva Jayate." The medal is made of toned bronze and is worn around the neck with a white ribbon. The award does not carry any monetary grant or special privileges.
Eligibility and Nomination
Any person, regardless of race, occupation, position, or gender, is eligible for the Bharat Ratna. It can also be conferred posthumously. While the award has generally been given to Indian nationals, there is no legal bar on awarding it to foreign citizens. Recommendations for the Bharat Ratna are made by the Prime Minister to the President of India, and there is no formal application process.
Notable Foreign Recipients
Although the award is primarily conferred on Indian citizens, two foreign nationals have received the Bharat Ratna: Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan in 1987, for his role in the Indian independence movement, and Nelson Mandela in 1990, for his global contribution to peace and human rights.
Posthumous Awards
Many individuals have received the Bharat Ratna posthumously, reflecting the award's focus on lifelong service. Some notable posthumous recipients include Lal Bahadur Shastri in 1966, B. R. Ambedkar in 1990, M. G. Ramachandran in 1988, and in recent years, Bhupen Hazarika and Nanaji Deshmukh in 2019.
Controversies and Withdrawals
The Bharat Ratna has occasionally been subject to public and political debate. In 1992, the award was announced posthumously for Subhas Chandra Bose, but was later withdrawn due to a legal technicality and objections from his family. It remains the only Bharat Ratna award to be officially withdrawn.[3]
Statistics and Milestones
As of 2023, a total of 48 individuals have been awarded the Bharat Ratna. Sachin Tendulkar, who received the award in 2014 at the age of 40, is the youngest recipient. Indira Gandhi was the first woman to be honoured, in 1971. M. S. Subbulakshmi became the first musician to receive the Bharat Ratna in 1998. The award has not been conferred every year and is limited to a maximum of three recipients per year.
Selected Recipients
In 1954, the award was conferred upon C. Rajagopalachari, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, and C. V. Raman. In 1990, B. R. Ambedkar and Nelson Mandela were among the honourees. In 2014, it was awarded to Sachin Tendulkar and C. N. R. Rao, while in 2019, the recipients included Pranab Mukherjee, Bhupen Hazarika, and Nanaji Deshmukh.
Significance and Impact
The Bharat Ratna is a symbol of the Republic of India’s recognition of unparalleled contributions to the nation and humanity at large. It not only honours the recipient but also inspires generations to contribute towards the nation's growth and dignity. The award holds immense prestige and moral weight, although it does not carry legal entitlements or financial benefits.