Five Eminent Personalities Conferred Bharat Ratna in 2024, Including PV Narasimha Rao, Charan Singh, and MS Swaminathan
In a significant announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed on Friday that five distinguished individuals, including former Prime Ministers PV Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh, alongside agricultural scientist MS Swaminathan, would be honoured with the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour.
This year’s recipients surpass the record set in 1999, with five Bharat Ratnas being awarded in a single year.
Praising the contributions of Rao, Singh, and Swaminathan, Prime Minister Modi lauded their invaluable service to the nation. Rao was acknowledged for his transformative liberalization policies that revolutionized the Indian economy, while Singh was commended for his unwavering advocacy for farmers’ rights.
Swaminathan received recognition for his globally acclaimed contributions to agriculture, which have significantly impacted food security and welfare.
Among the recipients, four will be honoured posthumously, while Lal Krishna Advani, aged 96, is the sole living recipient of the prestigious award.
Here is the list of Bharat Ratna awardees for 2024:
Karpoori Thakur (Posthumous): A prominent socialist leader and former Chief Minister of Bihar, Karpoori Thakur, affectionately known as ‘Jan Nayak’ (people’s leader), will be posthumously honoured with the Bharat Ratna. Thakur’s legacy as a champion of social justice and advocate for the marginalized has earned him widespread acclaim.
Lal Krishna Advani: A stalwart in Indian politics and a former Deputy Prime Minister, Lal Krishna Advani has made significant contributions to the nation’s development and governance. As a key figure in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Advani’s leadership and vision have left an indelible mark on India’s political landscape.
Pamulaparthi Venkata Narasimha Rao (Posthumous): Recognized for his multifaceted service to the nation, PV Narasimha Rao, a distinguished scholar and statesman, served as Prime Minister from 1991 to 1996. His leadership during a critical period of economic reforms has been instrumental in shaping India’s trajectory towards growth and prosperity.
Chaudhary Charan Singh (Posthumous): A prominent Jat leader and former Prime Minister of India, Chaudhary Charan Singh played a pivotal role in championing the cause of farmers and spearheading anti-Congress politics. His enduring legacy continues to inspire generations of leaders committed to serving the nation.
Mankombu Sambasivan Swaminathan (Posthumous): Revered as the father of the Green Revolution in India, MS Swaminathan’s pioneering work in agriculture has had a transformative impact on food security and rural livelihoods. His visionary guidance continues to shape agricultural policies and practices, ensuring sustainable development and prosperity for future generations.
The announcement of the Bharat Ratna recipients for 2024 reflects the nation’s appreciation for their exemplary contributions across various fields, underscoring their enduring legacy and invaluable service to the country.
