Bharat Ratna: Know all about India’s highest civilian award

Bharat Ratna: Lal Krishna Advani, the BJP stalwart who propelled the party to national prominence with his Rath Yatra for Ayodhya's Ram Temple in the early 1990s, has received India's highest civilian award - the Bharat Ratna.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on his X handle (former Twitter) that BJP veteran Lal Krishna Advani would be awarded the Bharat Ratna. He wrote, “I am very happy to share that Shri LK Advani Ji will be conferred the Bharat Ratna. I also spoke to him and congratulated him on being conferred this honour. One of the most respected statesmen of our times, his contribution to the development of India is monumental. His is a life that started from working at the grassroots to serving the nation as our Deputy Prime Minister. He distinguished himself as our Home Minister and I&B Minister as well. His Parliamentary interventions have always been exemplary, full of rich insights.”

Also Read | LK Advani – One of India’s tallest leader & a man who scripted BJP’s rise

Here’s all you need to know about Bharat Ratna

The Bharat Ratna is India's highest civilian honour, bestowed for exceptional service or performance in any field of human endeavour. It is a prestigious award that honours the contributions of individuals who have made India proud through their accomplishments and excellence. 

Also Read

Shimla: Tourist influx in 'Queen of Hills' soars after snowfall

Sidhu Moosewala's new song 'Drippy' takes Punjabi music scene by storm

History of Bharat Ratna

The then-President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, established the Bharat Ratna on January 2, 1954, in response to a Cabinet resolution passed by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. The award was initially limited to the fields of arts, literature, science, and public services, but was expanded in 2011 to include "any field of human endeavour" 

The award was designed by Nandalal Bose, a well-known artist and Padma Vibhushan recipient. The award is a bronze medallion shaped like a peepal leaf, with an image of the Sun and the words "Bharat Ratna" inscribed in Devanagari script on the obverse and the State Emblem of India and the motto "Satyameva Jayate" on the reverse. A white ribbon is used to wear the award around one's neck.

Criteria for Bharat Ratna

The Bharat Ratna is awarded for "exceptional service/performance of the highest order", regardless of race, occupation, position, or gender. The award is open to anyone, regardless of nationality, who has made outstanding contributions to the advancement of art, literature, science, or public service, as well as the cause of peace and human welfare. 

The award can also be given posthumously if the person dies within five years of the recommendation. However, the award cannot be given to anyone who has been convicted of a criminal offence or who has committed an act of moral turpitude.

Benefits of Bharat Ratna

• A lifetime pension similar to the salary of the Chief Justice of India.
• Discounted travel on Air India domestic flights.
• Priority boarding at airports and train stations.
• The Central Reserve Police Force provides Z+ category security cover.
• If the recipient dies within the country, he or she will receive a state funeral with full military honours.

The Bharat Ratna represents respect and admiration for the recipient's achievements and excellence.

Also Read

Poonam Pandey is alive! 'I faked my death,' says Poonam Pandey

Rain alert issued for Haryana, Punjab and Chandigarh | Check Details

-

Join Whatsapp Channel