The highest civilian award of the Republic of India is known as the Bharat Ratna. It came into existence on 2 January 1954. This award is given only for special work in the fields of literature, science, public service and arts. This honor is awarded to anyone in India without discrimination of gender, race and age. Earlier this award was limited to some areas but it changed from December 2011 and now all types of fields have been included in it.
A maximum of 3 persons can be awarded this honor every year and the President nominates them on the advice of the Prime Minister. Under this award, the medal is in the shape of a peepal leaf is signed by the President of India. The recipient is not given any kind of money with it. The first three recipient of Bharat Ratna were Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, C. Rajagopalachari and Dr. C. V. Raman in 1954.
When did the Bharat Ratna Award begin?
The country's highest civilian honor 'Bharat Ratna' was inaugurated by the then Indian President, Shri Rajendra Prasad on 02 January 1954. This adornment honors those who have done important work in any area of the country, has done excellent work in their respective fields and has made our country proud and our country has gained international recognition. The first Bharat Ratna was conferred on Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the second President of the country in 1954.
Important facts related to Bharat Ratna Award:
Bharat Ratna is given by the President of India on 26 January.
The first award was given to renowned scientist Chandrashekhar Venkat Raman. Since then, this award has been presented to many distinguished people for their excellence in their respective fields.
The award was discontinued by the Janata Party in 1977, but it was reintroduced by the Congress Government in 1980.
When the Bharat Ratna Award was reintroduced in the year 1980, it was first received by Mother Teresa.
Our former President, scientist Dr. A. P.J. Abdul Kalam was also awarded this prestigious award in 199I.
It is not mandatory provision that 'Bharat Ratna' would be given only to Indian citizens. It can be given to anyone whether he/she is indian or non-indian.
The award was given to 'Agnes Gonxhe Bojaxhiu', who we know as Mother Teresa, who has naturally become an Indian citizen.
Two other non-Indians - Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan in 1987 and Nelson Mandela in 1990 - were given the award.
It is also not compulsory that Bharat Ratna Award would be given every year.
The highest Civilian award Bharat Ratna can be given to a maximum 3 person in a year.
Posthumously, Lal Bahadur Shastri was first awarded with the Bharat Ratna.
Indira Gandhi was the first woman to be honoured of Bharat Ratna.
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