Bharat Ratna: On a remarkable Saturday, President Droupadi Murmu conferred the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna, upon five distinguished individuals who have left an indelible mark on India’s history and progress. Among the esteemed recipients were BJP stalwart LK Advani, renowned socialist leader Chaudhary Charan Singh, former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao, former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur, and celebrated agriculture scientist MS Swaminathan.
Honoring the Legacies of Greatness
While LK Advani received the award in person, the other four luminaries were honored posthumously, with their families accepting the prestigious accolades on their behalf. Chaudhary Charan Singh’s grandson Jayant Singh, Narasimha Rao’s son PV Prabhakar Rao, Karpoori Thakur’s son Ram Nath Thakur, and MS Swaminathan’s daughter Nitya Rao graciously accepted the honors during the solemn ceremony held at the iconic Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Celebrating Exceptional Contributions
- LK Advani: A Stalwart of Indian Politics amd a prominent figure in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), LK Advani has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s political landscape. His unwavering commitment to the nation’s progress and his relentless efforts towards nation-building have earned him widespread admiration and respect.
- Chaudhary Charan Singh: A Champion of the Peasantry Chaudhary Charan Singh, a legendary socialist icon, dedicated his life to uplifting the marginalised sections of society, particularly the farming community. His legacy as a tireless advocate for the rights of peasants and the underprivileged will continue to inspire generations to come.
- PV Narasimha Rao: As the former Prime Minister of India, PV Narasimha Rao is widely credited with ushering in a new era of economic reforms that transformed the country’s financial landscape. His visionary policies and bold initiatives paved the way for India’s emergence as a global economic powerhouse.
- Karpoori Thakur: A Beacon of Social Justice Karpoori Thakur, the former Chief Minister of Bihar, was a champion of social justice and a tireless crusader against oppression and inequality. His unwavering commitment to uplifting the downtrodden and marginalised sections of society has left an enduring impact on the state and the nation.
- MS Swaminathan: Renowned as the “Father of the Green Revolution,” MS Swaminathan’s groundbreaking contributions to agriculture and food security have played a pivotal role in ensuring India’s self-sufficiency in food production. His pioneering work has not only benefited India but has also inspired agricultural advancements around the globe.
