The Bharat Ratna is India’s highest civilian award, instituted in 1954. It is awarded by the President of India to citizens of India in recognition of exceptional service to the nation. The award is given in the fields of art, literature, science, sports, social work, and public service.
- History
- Award Criteria
- Selection Process
- Recipients
- Significance
History: Established in 1954, the Bharat Ratna (Hindi for “India’s Jewel”) is the highest civilian award bestowed by the Republic of India. Recognizing individuals for “exceptional service/performance of the highest order,” it transcends boundaries of race, occupation, position, or gender.
Award Criteria: The award acknowledges extraordinary achievements in any field, from science and arts to public service and social welfare. It honors individuals who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the nation’s progress and development.
Selection Process: The Prime Minister recommends candidates for the Bharat Ratna to the President of India. While nominations can come from various sources, the final decision rests with the President. The selection process is typically shrouded in secrecy, though public debate often surrounds potential recipients.
Recipients: The list of Bharat Ratna awardees is a distinguished one, encompassing national heroes, visionaries, and pioneers in their respective fields. Some notable recipients include scientists like C. V. Raman and S. Chandrasekhar, artists like Satyajit Ray and M. S. Subbulakshmi, social leaders like Mother Teresa and Nelson Mandela, and political figures like Lal Bahadur Shastri and Indira Gandhi.
Significance: The Bharat Ratna is a symbol of national pride and recognition. It honors individuals who have not only excelled in their fields but have also inspired generations and embodied the values of a free and democratic India. The award carries immense prestige and serves as a reminder of the importance of service, dedication, and excellence in shaping the nation’s future.
The Bharat Ratna is a necklace made of pure gold and weighs 180 grams. It is set with a 30-carat diamond and has a pendant in the shape of a lotus. The award is presented in a case made of sandalwood and ivory.
The Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award in India. It is awarded to citizens of India in recognition of exceptional service to the nation. The award is given in the fields of art, literature, science, sports, social work, and public service.
The Bharat Ratna was instituted in 1954 by the first President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad. The first recipients of the award were Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, C. Rajagopalachari, and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.
The Bharat Ratna is awarded by the President of India on the advice of the Prime Minister. The award is given in a public ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India.
The Bharat Ratna is a highly prestigious award. It is considered to be the highest honor that can be bestowed on a citizen of India. The award is a symbol of national pride and recognition of outstanding achievement.
FAQS
Who can be awarded the Bharat Ratna?
The Bharat Ratna can be awarded to any citizen of India who has made exceptional service to the nation. The award is given in the fields of art, literature, science, sports, social work, and public service.
How is the Bharat Ratna awarded?
The Bharat Ratna is awarded by the President of India on the advice of the Prime Minister. The award is given in a public ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India.
What is the significance of the Bharat Ratna?
The Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award in India. It is considered to be the highest honor that can be bestowed on a citizen of India. The award is a symbol of national pride and recognition of outstanding achievement.
What is the highest civilian award in India?
The highest civilian award in India is given to individuals for exceptional service or performance in various fields.
Who can be nominated for India’s highest civilian award?
Any Indian citizen, without distinction of race, occupation, position, or sex, can be nominated for the highest civilian award in India.
How is the highest civilian award in India conferred?
The highest civilian award in India is conferred by the President of India at a formal ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Are there any posthumous recipients of the highest civilian award in India?
Yes, the highest civilian award in India has been awarded posthumously to individuals who have made significant contributions to the nation.
Is there a limit to the number of recipients of the highest civilian award in India each year?
No, there is no fixed limit to the number of recipients of the highest civilian award in India each year.
MCQs
Who was the first Indian to receive the highest civilian honor in India?
- a) Jawaharlal Nehru
- b) C. Rajagopalachari
- c) S. Radhakrishnan
- d) Rajendra Prasad
Which Indian scientist was honored with the highest civilian award in India in 1954?
- a) Homi J. Bhabha
- b) Srinivasa Ramanujan
- c) C.V. Raman
- d) A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
In 2019, who became the first sportsperson to be awarded the highest civilian honor in India?
- a) Sachin Tendulkar
- b) Mary Kom
- c) Dhyan Chand
- d) Abhinav Bindra
Which Indian musician was posthumously awarded the highest civilian honor in India in 2001?
- a) Ravi Shankar
- b) Lata Mangeshkar
- c) M.S. Subbulakshmi
- d) Bhimsen Joshi
Who among the following was awarded the highest civilian honor in India for contributions to literature?
- a) Rabindranath Tagore
- b) Munshi Premchand
- c) Vikram Seth
- d) R.K. Narayan
Which award is conferred upon individuals for exceptional service to the nation?
- a) Param Vir Chakra
- b) Ashoka Chakra
- c) Padma Bhushan
- d) Option not available
Which of the following awards is considered the highest recognition for outstanding contributions in various fields?
- a) Arjuna Award
- b) Dronacharya Award
- c) Padma Vibhushan
- d) Option not available
The highest civilian award in India is given for:
- a) Exceptional bravery in the face of adversity
- b) Significant contributions to literature and education
- c) Outstanding achievements and service to the nation
- d) Option not available
Which award is conferred upon individuals who have rendered exemplary service to society?
- a) Padma Shri
- b) Padma Bhushan
- c) Padma Vibhushan
- d) Option not available
The highest civilian honor is presented to individuals for:
- a) Exceptional contributions in sports
- b) Significant advancements in science and technology
- c) Outstanding achievements in various fields
- d) Option not available
Which award recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the arts?
- a) Param Vir Chakra
- b) Padma Shri
- c) Kirti Chakra
- d) Option not available
The highest civilian award is conferred by:
- a) The President of India
- b) The Prime Minister of India
- c) The Supreme Court of India
- d) Option not available
Which award symbolizes the nation’s recognition of exceptional talent and service?
- a) Padma Bhushan
- b) Padma Vibhushan
- c) Padma Shri
- d) Option not available
Individuals awarded the highest civilian honor have demonstrated:
- a) Outstanding leadership skills
- b) Extraordinary courage in times of crisis
- c) Exceptional contributions to society or the nation
- d) Option not available