Bharat Ratna

Bharat Ratna. The Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award of India, awarded in recognition of exceptional service or performance of the highest order in fields such as Arts, Literature, Science, Public Service, and Sports. This prestigious award is conferred by the President of India and is considered one of the most respected honors in the country, alongside the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. The award is often conferred on notable individuals such as Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rabindranath Tagore, who have made significant contributions to the nation.

Introduction

The Bharat Ratna award was instituted on January 2, 1954, by the Government of India, with the first awards being conferred on C. Rajagopalachari, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, and C.V. Raman. The award is conferred by the President of India on the recommendation of the Prime Minister of India, and the selection process involves a thorough evaluation of the nominees by a committee consisting of prominent individuals such as Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, and Rahul Gandhi. The award ceremony is typically held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India, and is attended by dignitaries such as the Vice President of India, Lok Sabha, and Rajya Sabha members.

History

The history of the Bharat Ratna award dates back to the early years of India's independence, when the Government of India sought to establish a system of awards to recognize outstanding contributions to the nation. The award was designed by Vainu Bappu, an Indian Institute of Astrophysics scientist, and is made of peepal leaf-shaped tombac bronze. The award has undergone several changes over the years, including the introduction of a new design in 1957, and the expansion of the eligibility criteria to include Sports and Public Service. Notable recipients of the award include M.G. Ramachandran, K. Kamaraj, and J.R.D. Tata, who have made significant contributions to Tamil Nadu, Indian National Congress, and Tata Group respectively.

Eligibility_and_Selection

The eligibility criteria for the Bharat Ratna award are strict, and the selection process is rigorous. The award is open to citizens of India who have made outstanding contributions in their respective fields, including Arts, Literature, Science, Public Service, and Sports. The selection committee, which includes prominent individuals such as Sachin Tendulkar, Amitabh Bachchan, and Ratan Tata, evaluates the nominees based on their achievements and contributions to the nation. The committee also considers nominations from the State Governments, Union Territories, and other organizations such as the Indian Olympic Association and the Board of Control for Cricket in India. The final selection is made by the Prime Minister of India, who recommends the names to the President of India for conferment of the award.

Recipients

The Bharat Ratna award has been conferred on a total of 48 individuals, including Nelson Mandela, Abdul Kalam, and V.V. Giri, who have made significant contributions to South Africa, Indian Space Research Organisation, and Indian National Congress respectively. Other notable recipients include Lata Mangeshkar, M.S. Subbulakshmi, and Satyajit Ray, who have made significant contributions to Indian classical music, Carnatic music, and Bengali cinema respectively. The award has also been conferred on Mother Teresa, who dedicated her life to serving the poor and the marginalized in Kolkata and other parts of India. The recipients of the award are honored with a peepal leaf-shaped tombac bronze medal, a sanad signed by the President of India, and a cash award of 25 lakh.

Controversies

The Bharat Ratna award has been surrounded by controversies over the years, with some recipients facing criticism for their actions or decisions. For example, the conferment of the award on Sachin Tendulkar was criticized by some, who argued that the award should be reserved for individuals who have made significant contributions to Public Service or Social Work. The award has also been criticized for being biased towards individuals from certain regions or communities, such as the Tamil Nadu-based M.G. Ramachandran and K. Kamaraj. Despite these controversies, the Bharat Ratna award remains one of the most prestigious honors in India, and is considered a symbol of excellence and achievement in various fields, including Arts, Literature, Science, Public Service, and Sports. The award has been conferred on notable individuals such as Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L.K. Advani, and Murli Manohar Joshi, who have made significant contributions to Bharatiya Janata Party and Indian politics.

Category:Awards and decorations