Bharat Ratna Award Winners List 2024: For the first time in the history of Independent India, the ruling government has announced five Bharat Ratna awards in single year. On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that two former Prime Ministers – Chaudhary Charan Singh, PV Narasimha Rao – and father of India’s ‘green revolution’ – Dr MS Swaminathan – will be awarded Bharat Ratna. The official records of the Ministry of Home Affairs show that 2024 happens to be the highest number of Bharat Ratna recipients in one year since the awards inception in 1954.

Before this, it was the year 1999 that saw Bharat Ratna being awarded to four dignitaries. Back then, those who were awarded Bharat Ratna included Jayaprakash Narayan (Posthumous), Professor Amartya Sen, Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi (Posthumous) and Pandit Ravi Shankar.

Bharat Ratna Awards: Know the history of highest civilian honour of India

The Bharat Ratna, established on January 2, 1954, stands as India’s most prestigious civilian honor. It is bestowed upon individuals in acknowledgment of their extraordinary contributions and performances of the utmost caliber, irrespective of race, occupation, position, or gender. Initially, the award was confined to accomplishments in the realms of arts, literature, science, and public service. However, the Government of India broadened the eligibility criteria in December 2011 to encompass excellence in “any field of human endeavor.”

Legacy of Chaudhary Charan Singh

Born in 1902 at Meerut’s Noorpur in a farmer family, Charan Singh was graduated in science in 1923 and did his post-graduation at Agra University in 1925. Later, he started his practice in law in Ghaziabad after training. Singh was first elected to the UP Legislative Assembly in 1937 from Chhaprauli. he went on to represent the constituency in 1946, 1952, 1962 and 1967. He was Parliamentary Secretary in Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant’s government in 1946. In 1951, Singh was appointed Cabinet Minister in the State and given charge of the Departments of Justice and Information.

Later, he took over as the Minister for Revenue and Agriculture in the Cabinet of Sampurnanand in 1952. When he resigned in April 1959, he was holding charge of the Department of Revenue and Transport. In CB Gupta’s Ministry he was Minister for Home and Agriculture (1960). Charan Singh served as Minister for Agriculture and Forests (1962-63) in Sucheta Kripalani’s Ministry. He gave up the Department of Agriculture in 1965 and assumed charge of the Local Self-government department in 1966. After the Congress split, he became the Chief Minister of UP for the second time in February 1970 with the support of the Congress Party. However, President’s Rule was imposed in the State on October 2, 1970. Singh staked his claim to form the government with the Congress’s support and was sworn in as PM on July 28, 1979. Singh was never able to prove his government’s majority on the floor of Parliament.

PV Narasimha Rao: The man who ushered in 90s economic liberalisation

Born on June 28, 1921, in Karimnagar, Telangana, PV Narasimha Rao emerged as a prominent figure in Indian politics, leveraging his background as an agriculturist and advocate. Over his illustrious career, he held several significant portfolios, including Minister of Law and Information (1962-1964), Law and Endowments (1964-1967), Health and Medicine (1967), and Education (1968-1971) within the Government of Andhra Pradesh. Rao further served as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh from 1971 to 1973 and held the position of General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee from 1975 to 1976.

Beyond his political endeavors, Rao exhibited a diverse array of interests, demonstrating a keen passion for Indian philosophy, culture, literature, and languages. He engaged in literary pursuits, translating renowned works from various languages and contributing articles to esteemed publications. Rao’s scholarly pursuits extended internationally as well, with lectures delivered at universities in the United States and West Germany on political matters.

During his tenure as Minister of External Affairs, Rao displayed adeptness in international diplomacy, chairing significant conferences and missions. Noteworthy among his diplomatic endeavors was his leadership of the III Conference of UNIDO in New Delhi in January 1980 and his role as Leader of the Special Non-aligned Mission tasked with resolving the Palestinian Liberation Organization in West Asia in November 1983. He also played an active role in Commonwealth Heads of Government meetings and initiatives aimed at addressing global issues such as the Cyprus question.

Rao’s legacy is indelibly marked by his pivotal role in implementing economic reforms in India, particularly his efforts in dismantling the stifling bureaucratic regime known as the License Raj. His contributions have left a lasting impact on Indian politics and economic policy, solidifying his stature as a statesman of immense significance.

Monkomb Sambasivan Swaminathan: Father of India’s Green Revolution

Monkomb Sambasivan Swaminathan, aged 98, passed away on September 28 last year. Revered as the ‘Father of the Green Revolution’, he played a pivotal role in revolutionizing farming practices in the 1960s and ‘70s, thereby contributing significantly to India’s achievement of food security.

Early in his career, Swaminathan cleared the civil services examination. However, his passion for agriculture led him to delve into research in the field.

Throughout his illustrious career, Swaminathan served at various prestigious institutions, both in India and internationally. He held key positions such as Independent Chairman of the Food and Agricultural Organisation Council (1981-1985), President of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (1984-1990), and President of the World Wide Fund for Nature (India) from 1989 to 1996. Additionally, he served as the Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), among other notable roles.

Karpoori Thakur: The reformer

Karpoori Thakur, born into the Nai (barber) community on January 24, 1924, passed away in 1988. His remarkable journey from a humble background as the son of a marginal farmer to a revered political figure stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication and service to the cause of the backward classes.

In Bihar, Thakur is widely acclaimed for his pioneering initiative in implementing a complete ban on alcohol in 1970. This significant move earned him profound recognition, leading to the renaming of his birth village in the Samastipur district to Karpuri Gram in his honor.

Thakur’s political trajectory was marked by several notable milestones. He served as a minister and Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, ultimately making history as the first non-Congress socialist Chief Minister of the state, firstly in 1970 and later in 1977. His tenure as Chief Minister was distinguished by the steadfast enforcement of total prohibition of alcohol in Bihar, underscoring his steadfast commitment to social reform.

LK Advani: Beyond Rath Yatra

Born in Karachi on November 8, 1927, LK Advani’s political journey began when he joined the RSS in 1942 and later moved to Delhi from Sindh in 1947 during Partition. Transitioning into mainstream politics, he started his career in early 1957 by assisting Atal Bihari Vajpayee and other newly elected Jana Sangh MPs with their parliamentary duties. By 1958, Advani had assumed the role of secretary for the Delhi State Jana Sangh.

In addition to his political commitments, Advani embarked on a career in journalism, serving as an Assistant Editor for Organiser starting in 1960. However, his tenure in this role was brief, as he transitioned to full-time politics in 1967.

Throughout his extensive political career, Advani held several significant party and government positions, including Deputy Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition, and BJP president. Alongside Vajpayee, he played a pivotal role in establishing the BJP as the political extension of the RSS after the dissolution of the Janata Party government.

Advani is widely acknowledged for his instrumental role in transforming the BJP from a minor player with only two parliamentary seats in 1984 to forming a government within 15 years. His leadership saw him rise to the position of Deputy Prime Minister under Vajpayee. Even after the BJP’s defeat in the 2004 general elections, Advani continued to guide the party as its president.

(With inputs from PTI)