BHARAT RATNA — INDIA’S HIGHEST CIVILIAN AWARD

PRERNA FOR IAS

         Mehnat Aapki, Guidance Humari

         Roz ki Prelims Practice — Experts ke Saath

BHARAT RATNA — INDIA’S HIGHEST CIVILIAN AWARD

1. Introduction

• The Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award of India.
• It was instituted on 2 January 1954 by the Government of India.
• The award recognises exceptional service or performance of the highest order in any field of human endeavour.
• The official scheme and list of recipients are maintained by the Ministry of Home Affairs. (Ministry of Home Affairs)

2. Nature of the Award

• Bharat Ratna is a national civilian honour and does not carry a monetary grant.
• The recipient receives a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion.
• It is not a title and therefore cannot be used as a prefix or suffix to a person’s name.
• Recommendations are made by the Prime Minister to the President, and no formal public nomination process is prescribed.

3. First Bharat Ratna Awardees

• The first Bharat Ratna awards were given in 1954.
• The first three recipients were C. Rajagopalachari, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and Dr. C.V. Raman. (Padma Awards)
• Their selection represented distinction in public affairs, philosophy and education, and science.

4. C. Rajagopalachari

• Chakravarti Rajagopalachari was a freedom fighter, statesman and the last Governor-General of India.
• He played an important role in the national movement and post-Independence public life.
• He was among the three inaugural Bharat Ratna recipients in 1954.

5. Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

• Dr. Radhakrishnan was an eminent philosopher, teacher, diplomat and statesman.
• He later served as the first Vice-President and the second President of India.
• His birthday, 5 September, is observed in India as Teachers’ Day.

6. Dr. C.V. Raman

• Physicist Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman received the Bharat Ratna in 1954 for his outstanding contribution to science.
• He discovered the Raman Effect, for which he received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930.
• His contribution established India prominently in modern scientific research.

7. Important Recipients