Bharat Ratna awarded to 5 people so far in 2024, highest in a single year
On 9th February 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced three more recipients for the prestigious Bharat Ratna Award 2024. Former Prime Ministers PV Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh, along with renowned agricultural scientist MS Swaminathan were the three additional personalities who have been conferred for the Bharat Ratna this year. Apart from these three personalities, Lal Krishna Advani and Karpoori Thakur were also conferred for Bharat Ratna this year.
This year’s five Bharat Ratna recipients surpassed the four awarded in 1999, marking the highest number of Bharat Ratnas awarded in a single year. Among the recipients, four will receive the honor posthumously, while Advani, aged 96, is the sole living recipient.
Significance of Bharat Ratna
The Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, is conferred upon individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the progress and upliftment of the nation. Through honoring these prominent personalities, India celebrates their legacy and reaffirms its commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusive development.
Bharat Ratna 2024 Awardees
Karpoori Thakur:
Also known as ‘Jan Nayak’ (people’s leader), Karpoori Thakur, the former Bihar chief minister and socialist stalwart, will be posthumously honored with the Bharat Ratna. His commitment to social justice and inclusive governance continues to inspire generations.
Pamulaparthi Venkata Narasimha Rao:
PV Narasimha Rao, who served as the Prime Minister of India from 1991 to 1996, is credited with ushering in economic reforms that transformed the nation’s economy. His visionary leadership paved the way for India’s integration into the global economy. He is prominently referred to as the Architect of Economic Liberalization
Chaudhary Charan Singh:
Chaudhary Charan Singh, a champion of farmers’ rights and a stalwart of Indian politics, served as the Prime Minister of India during 1979-80. His strong commitment to the welfare of farmers and rural communities earned him widespread respect and admiration.
Mankombu Sambasivan Swaminathan:
Prominently known as the Father of Green Revolution, renowned agricultural scientist MS Swaminathan, known for his groundbreaking contributions to Indian agriculture, will also be posthumously honored with the Bharat Ratna. His research and advocacy have played a crucial role in ensuring food security and rural development.
Lal Krishna Advani:
Lal Krishna Advani, a veteran leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has been a prominent figure in Indian politics for decades.
Politics Behind Conferring Bharat Ratna
After conferring Bharat Ratna to veteran Congress leader and former President Pranab Mukherjee in 2019, the BJP has conferred the highest civilian award to another Congress stalwart and former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao in 2024.
However, behind the Bharat Ratna to Narasimha Rao lies the BJP’s strategic and calculated political effort ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha election.
Apart from needling Congress, which has been accused by the BJP of “disrespecting” the former PM, the move is also an attempt by the party to reach out to voters in undivided Andhra Pradesh, Rao’s home state.
The BJP’s move to confer Bharat Ratna to Chaudhary Charan Singh is being seen as the party’s outreach to the Jat community.
In a press meet held soon after the Bharat Ratna announcement, Jayant Chaudhary said it was a day full of happiness for him as he thanked PM Modi for the award. “I want to thank President (Droupadi Murmu) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji,” he added.
