India has always held excellence in various fields close to its heart. Among the many ways the country honours its citizens for exceptional contributions, the Bharat Ratna Award stands out as the highest and most prestigious recognition one can receive. This coveted honour is a symbol of extraordinary service to the nation, regardless of a person’s background, position, or field of work. In this article, we will look at the Bharat Ratna Award—India’s highest civilian award—in detail.
What is the Bharat Ratna Award?
The Bharat Ratna is India’s highest civilian award. It is conferred on individuals who have rendered exceptional service in any field of human endeavour, whether in arts, science, politics, social work, sports, or any other sphere. What sets Bharat Ratna apart is that it transcends distinctions such as race, occupation, or gender.
History of Bharat Ratna Award
The government established the Bharat Ratna Award on January 2, 1954, to honour an individual’s exceptional service or performance of the highest order or celebrate those who have significantly impacted the nation.
Interestingly, on January 2, 1954, India introduced Padma Vibhushan to acknowledge the outstanding achievements of individuals from all walks of life.
The first-ever Bharat Ratna recipients were C. Rajagopalachari, the last Governor-General of India; Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who later became the President of India; and renowned physicist C.V. Raman. Their contributions to politics, education, and science set a high standard for this prestigious recognition.
The Bharat Ratna Award Winner List
Here’s the list of Bharat Ratna Award winners since its inception in 1954.
