Introduction
India is a land of extraordinary talent, courage, and contribution across diverse fields such as politics, science, literature, art, social service, and sports.
To honor these remarkable contributions, the Government of India confers various civilian awards. Among them, the Bharat Ratna stands as the highest civilian award in India, representing the nation’s deepest respect and recognition of an individual’s unparalleled service.
In this comprehensive blog, we will explore everything you need to know about the Bharat Ratna, including its history, significance, eligibility criteria, awardees, and frequently asked questions.
This article is crafted following the Google E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) concept to provide reliable, insightful, and SEO-optimized information.
What is the Highest Civilian Award in India?
The Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian honor in India. Instituted in 1954, this award is given in recognition of exceptional service towards the advancement of art, literature, science, and public service. Over the years, its scope has expanded to include outstanding contributions in sports, social work, and other fields of national importance.
Historical Background of Bharat Ratna
The Bharat Ratna was introduced by the then President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, on January 2, 1954. The very first recipients were C. Rajagopalachari, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, and C. V. Raman. Since then, the award has evolved, both in terms of eligibility and recognition.
Initially, the Bharat Ratna was limited to achievements in arts, literature, science, and public services. However, in 2011, the criteria were broadened to include any field of human endeavor.
Design of the Bharat Ratna
The design of the Bharat Ratna is both elegant and symbolic:
- The award is shaped like a peepal leaf, symbolizing life and growth.
- It is about 5.8 cm long, 4.7 cm wide, and 3.1 mm thick.
- On the obverse side, the award carries the sunburst emblem, with the words “Bharat Ratna” inscribed in Devanagari script.
- On the reverse side, it bears the State Emblem of India and the national motto “Satyameva Jayate”.
The award is made of bronze and plated with platinum for a distinguished appearance.
Eligibility Criteria
Unlike many other awards, the Bharat Ratna is not restricted by caste, creed, sex, or position. The eligibility criteria are:
- Any person who has made exceptional contributions in any field of human endeavor can be considered.
- The award can be conferred posthumously (after death). For example, Lal Bahadur Shastri, former Prime Minister of India, was awarded posthumously in 1966.
- Not more than three Bharat Ratnas can be awarded in a single year.
Who Decides the Bharat Ratna?
The Bharat Ratna is awarded at the discretion of the President of India, based on recommendations made by the Prime Minister of India. This process ensures that the award remains above political or individual bias.
Privileges and Benefits of Bharat Ratna Awardees
While the Bharat Ratna does not carry any monetary grant, it brings immense honor and privileges:
- Awardees rank seventh in the Indian order of precedence, along with Cabinet Ministers of the Union.
- They are addressed with the title “Bharat Ratna Awardee”.
- Recipients enjoy lifelong recognition and are often invited to national events.
List of Bharat Ratna Awardees (1954 – 2023)
So far, 49 individuals have received the Bharat Ratna (as of 2023). Some of the most notable awardees include:
- Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1954) – Philosopher and India’s second President.
- C. V. Raman (1954) – Nobel Laureate in Physics.
- Mother Teresa (1980) – Nobel Peace Prize-winning humanitarian.
- Nelson Mandela (1990) – Former President of South Africa.
- Sachin Tendulkar (2014) – Legendary Indian cricketer.
- Atal Bihari Vajpayee (2015) – Former Prime Minister of India.
- Lata Mangeshkar (2001) – Iconic playback singer.
This diverse list highlights how the Bharat Ratna transcends boundaries of field, nationality, and profession.
Bharat Ratna Awardees in Sports
While the award was initially focused on arts, science, and politics, sports legends have also been recognized:
- Sachin Tendulkar (2014) became the first sportsperson to receive the Bharat Ratna.
- Major Dhyan Chand (2021, posthumously), India’s hockey wizard, was also honored with this prestigious award.
Significance of the Bharat Ratna
The Bharat Ratna holds immense value, not only for the recipient but also for the nation:
- It reflects India’s gratitude towards individuals who have uplifted the nation’s pride.
- It inspires younger generations to contribute meaningfully to society.
- It symbolizes the unity of talent across diverse domains, from politics to music to science.
Bharat Ratna vs Other Civilian Awards in India
India has four civilian awards, with Bharat Ratna being the highest. The others include:
- Padma Vibhushan – Second-highest civilian award.
- Padma Bhushan – Third-highest civilian award.
- Padma Shri – Fourth-highest civilian award.
These awards are usually conferred on Republic Day (26th January) every year.
Controversies Surrounding Bharat Ratna
Being the nation’s most prestigious award, the Bharat Ratna has not been free from controversies:
- Political Bias: Critics argue that some awards were influenced by politics rather than merit.
- Demands from States: Several state governments and political leaders often demand Bharat Ratna for regional icons.
- Rejections: Some awardees, such as Subhash Chandra Bose’s family, have expressed dissatisfaction with the way the award was handled posthumously.
Despite controversies, the award continues to hold its prestigious charm.
Interesting Facts About Bharat Ratna
- The Bharat Ratna can be awarded to foreign nationals – for example, Nelson Mandela and Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan.
- The youngest recipient is Sachin Tendulkar (at age 40).
- The oldest recipient was Dhondo Keshav Karve, who received it at the age of 100 in 1958.
- Only three recipients can be awarded in a single year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Which is the highest civilian award in India?
The Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award in India.
Q2. Who was the first recipient of Bharat Ratna?
The first recipients in 1954 were C. Rajagopalachari, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, and C. V. Raman.
Q3. Can foreigners receive the Bharat Ratna?
Yes, foreign nationals like Nelson Mandela and Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan have received it.
Q4. Is there any financial reward attached to the Bharat Ratna?
No, the Bharat Ratna does not carry any monetary reward.
Q5. How many Bharat Ratnas can be given in a year?
A maximum of three Bharat Ratnas can be awarded in one year.
Q6. Can Bharat Ratna be awarded posthumously?
Yes, many recipients, including Lal Bahadur Shastri and Major Dhyan Chand, received it posthumously.
Conclusion
The Bharat Ratna is much more than just an award it is a symbol of India’s gratitude towards individuals who have left an indelible mark on society, culture, science, politics, sports, and beyond. It reflects the spirit of India’s excellence and inclusivity, inspiring millions to follow the path of greatness.
As the highest civilian award in India, the Bharat Ratna continues to shine as a beacon of honor, respect, and national pride.