The Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, is a symbol of excellence, awarded for exceptional service or performance of the highest order in any field of human endeavor. From former Presidents to musicians and activists, recipients of this prestigious award represent the most inspiring figures in India’s history.

A Brief History of the Bharat Ratna

The Bharat Ratna was first awarded in 1954, with the inaugural recipients being three iconic personalities:

• C. Rajagopalachari, a celebrated politician,
• Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a philosopher and India’s second President,
• C.V. Raman, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist.

It wasn’t long before this prestigious honor extended to other fields. Subsequently, in 1966, the award posthumously honored former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, making him the first to receive it after death.

Notable Bharat Ratna Awardees

Over the years, many of India’s legendary figures have received the Bharat Ratna. For example, here are a few notable recipients:

• Sachin Tendulkar (2014) – The cricket icon became the youngest recipient of the Bharat Ratna at the age of 40.
• Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan (1987) and Nelson Mandela (1990) – The only two non-Indians to receive this honor. Moreover, their recognition underscores the global impact of their efforts.
• Satyajit Ray (1992) – A cinematic genius, Ray is the only filmmaker to receive the Bharat Ratna.
• JRD Tata (1992) – The visionary industrialist was the first from the business sector to receive the award. In addition, his recognition marks a milestone for Indian industry.
• Mother Teresa (1980) – The Nobel laureate and founder of the Missionaries of Charity was recognized for her humanitarian work. Furthermore, her award acknowledged her global humanitarian impact.
• Indira Gandhi (1971) – India’s first female Prime Minister, she was the first woman to be honored with the Bharat Ratna. Consequently, her achievement represents a significant moment in Indian history.

Bharat Ratna Awards of 2019: A Glimpse into Greatness

In 2019, three distinguished personalities received the Bharat Ratna:

1. Pranab Mukherjee – Former President of India.
2. Nanaji Deshmukh – A social activist, honored posthumously.
3. Dr. Bhupen Hazarika – A legendary musician and cultural icon from Assam.

Nanaji Deshmukh: The Social Reformer

Born in 1916 in Maharashtra, Nanaji Deshmukh dedicated his life to social causes. Inspired by freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak, he joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and worked extensively in Uttar Pradesh.

• To begin with, in 1950, he established the first Saraswati Shishu Mandir school in Gorakhpur.
• Moreover, a key figure in the Jai Prakash Narayan movement during India’s Emergency, he played a significant role in the fight for democracy.
• Later, in 1977, he won the Lok Sabha elections but quit politics in 1980.”
• In recognition of his lifelong efforts, the government nominated him to the Rajya Sabha in 1999 and awarded him the Padma Vibhushan the same year.

Pranab Mukherjee: The Stalwart Politician

Pranab Mukherjee, who served as India’s 13th President from 2012 to 2017, was a veteran statesman with a distinguished career in politics.

• Before entering politics, Mukherjee worked as a journalist for the Bengali newspaper “Desher Dak.”
• Under the guidance of Indira Gandhi, Mukherjee was introduced to the Rajya Sabha in 1969.
• Not only did he serve as Union Minister for key portfolios like Finance, Defense, and External Affairs, but he also earned international recognition.
• In fact, in 1984, Euromoney magazine named him the “Best Finance Minister in the World.”
• Furthermore, during his presidency, he rejected 24 mercy pleas, including those of Ajmal Kasab and Afzal Guru.”

Bhupen Hazarika: The Cultural Maestro

Bhupen Hazarika, widely known as “Sudhakantha” or the “Bard of Brahmaputra,” was an artistic genius whose contributions spanned across music, cinema, and literature.

• Hazarika was born in 1926 in Assam and went on to earn his PhD in Mass Communication from Columbia University.
• Furthermore, known for evergreen songs like Dil hoom hoom kare and O Ganga behti ho kyun, he composed primarily in Assamese, heavily influenced by tribal and folk music.
• In addition, he received the National Film Award for Best Music Direction in 1975 and the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1992. These accolades highlight his significant impact on Indian cinema.

Conclusion

The Bharat Ratna is not just an award—it’s a testament to the excellence and contribution of individuals who have transformed India in diverse fields. From politics to social work, music to industrial innovation, the Bharat Ratna reflects the rich legacy of those who have left an indelible mark on the country and the world. Indeed, it stands as a symbol of India’s highest ideals and aspirations.