Former Prime Ministers Chaudhary Charan Singh, PV Narasimha Rao and renowned agricultural scientist Dr MS Swaminathan will be conferred with India’s highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna, posthumously.
Announcing the three awards on social media platform X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded their many contributions to the country.
Taking to X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said former PM PV Narasimha Rao’s “visionary leadership” was instrumental in making India economically advanced, laying a solid foundation for the country’s prosperity and growth.
“As a distinguished scholar and statesman, Narasimha Rao Garu served India extensively in various capacities. He is equally remembered for the work he did as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Union Minister, and as a Member of Parliament and Legislative Assembly for many years,” PM Modi tweeted.
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Hailing Rao for “fostering a new era of economic development”, PM Modi said his tenure as Prime Minister was marked by significant measures that opened India to global markets.
“Furthermore, his contributions to India’s foreign policy, language and education sectors underscore his multifaceted legacy as a leader who not only steered India through critical transformations but also enriched its cultural and intellectual heritage,” PM Modi tweeted.
Paying tribute to Chaudhary Charan Singh, who served as India’s fifth Prime Minister, PM Modi hailed his “commitment to democracy” and his “dedication” to the welfare of the farming community.
“It is the good fortune of our government that former Prime Minister of the country Chaudhary Charan Singh is being honored with Bharat Ratna. This honor is dedicated to his incomparable contribution to the country,” wrote PM Modi. “He had dedicated his entire life to the rights and welfare of farmers. Be it the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh or the Home Minister of the country and even as an MLA, he always gave impetus to nation building,” PM Modi stated.
PM Modi also highlighted the contributions made by Dr Swaminathan towards modernising India’s agricultural sector.
“He played a pivotal role in helping India achieve self-reliance in agriculture during challenging times and made outstanding efforts towards modernizing Indian agriculture. We also recognise his invaluable work as an innovator and mentor and encouraging learning and research among several students. Dr. Swaminathan’s visionary leadership has not only transformed Indian agriculture but also ensured the nation’s food security and prosperity. He was someone I knew closely and l always valued his insights and inputs,” said PM Modi.
The announcement comes days after 96-year-old BJP stalwart LK Advani and two-time Bihar chief minister and socialist icon Karpoori Thakur (posthumously) were conferred with the highest civilian honour.