BHARAT RATNA: INDIA'S HIGHEST CIVILIAN AWARD

1. In February, 2024 Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced Lal Krishna Advani will be conferred with Bharat Ratna.
2. Earlier, In January, 2024 PM has announced, on birth centenary, of  Karpoori Thakur (Posthumously)  will be conferred with Bharat Ratna.

1.  Lal Krishna Advani

1. About: A veteran leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Advani has been a pivotal figure in Indian politics, contributing significantly to its shaping and development.
2. Contribution: His long and distinguished career in public service is marked by various key roles, including serving as Deputy Prime Minister of India.

2. Karpoori Thakur

1. About: A prominent socialist leader and former Chief Minister of Bihar, known for his dedication to social justice and empowerment of the underprivileged.
2. Contribution: His work in politics and social reform has left a lasting impact on Bihar and India, advocating for equality and the rights of the marginalized.

About BHARAT RATNA

1. The Bharat Ratna (Jewel of India) is India's most prestigious and highest civilian Award civilian honor, established in 1954.
2. It is awarded for exceptional service towards the advancement of art, literature, science, and in recognition of public service of the highest order.
3. The award is open to people of all professions, genders, and races, underlining the inclusive nature of this recognition.
4. The recommendations for Bharat Ratna are made by the Prime Minister himself to the President.

• No formal recommendations for this are necessary.

5. On conferment of the award, the recipient receives a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion.
6. The Award does not carry any monetary grant.
7. The number of annual awards is restricted to a maximum of 3 in a particular year.
8. The medallion, designed in the shape of a Peepal leaf, features the Sun and the State Emblem of India, representing the radiance and pride of the awardees' achievements.
9. In terms of Article 18 (1) of the Constitution, the award cannot be used as a prefix or suffix to the recipient's name. However, should an award winner consider it necessary, he/she may use the following expression in their biodata/letterhead/visiting card etc. to indicate that he/she is a recipient of the award: ‘Awarded Bharat Ratna by the President or ‘Recipient of Bharat Ratna Award’.

 Important Facts

1. First awarded: In1954, to :-

1. C. Rajagopalachari (last Governor-General of the Dominion of India and the former Chief Minister of Madras)
2. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (second President and the first Vice President of India)
3. C. V. Raman (Nobel Prize Laureate and Physicist)

2. Youngest Recipient: Sachin Tendulkar: Awarded in 2014 at the age of 40.
3. Oldest Recipient: Dhondo Keshav Karve: Honored at the age of 100 in 1958.
4. Former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, the first individual to be honored posthumously.
5. There is no formal provision that recipients of the Bharat Ratna should be Indian citizens.
6. It has been awarded to a naturalised Indian citizen, Mother Teresa in 1980, and to 2 non-Indians, Abdul Ghaffar Khan of Pakistan in 1987 and the former South African president Nelson Mandela in 1990.
7. As of 2024, the award has been conferred upon 50 people with 15 posthumous declarations.

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