In a ceremony held on Friday, Prime Minister Modi lauded the remarkable achievements of the awardees, underscoring their pivotal roles in shaping India's socio-economic landscape.
PV Narasimha Rao, a renowned statesman and economist, served as Prime Minister from 1991 to 1996. He is widely credited with spearheading the liberalization policies that revolutionized India's economy, ushering in an era of unprecedented growth and development. M
odi praised Rao's visionary leadership, which laid the foundation for India's economic prosperity and global integration.
Charan Singh, a prominent Jat leader from Uttar Pradesh, made significant contributions to farmer welfare and anti-Congress politics. As Prime Minister from 1979 to 1980, Singh championed the cause of farmers and played a crucial role in empowering marginalized communities. Modi commended Singh's unwavering commitment to democracy and his steadfast opposition to authoritarianism, particularly during the Emergency imposed in 1975.
MS Swaminathan, hailed as the architect of the Green Revolution, was honored for his groundbreaking work in agriculture and farmer empowerment. Swaminathan's innovative research and advocacy efforts transformed Indian agriculture, ensuring food security and prosperity for millions. Modi emphasized Swaminathan's role in modernizing Indian agriculture and his relentless pursuit of self-reliance in food production.
The Bharat Ratna awards also recognized the contributions of other eminent leaders. Karpoori Thakur, the former Chief Minister of Bihar and a champion of backward empowerment, was honored posthumously for his tireless efforts to uplift marginalized communities. L K Advani, a founding member of the BJP and a key figure in Indian politics, received the award in recognition of his instrumental role in shaping the country's political landscape.
This year's awards mark a significant milestone, with five Bharat Ratnas conferred, the highest number in a single year since 1999. The recognition of leaders from diverse backgrounds underscores the government's commitment to honoring excellence and inclusivity.
The announcement of the Bharat Ratna awards has been met with widespread acclaim, with many lauding the government's decision to recognize stalwarts from non-BJP backgrounds. The awards ceremony serves as a fitting tribute to the enduring legacies of these visionary leaders, whose contributions continue to inspire generations of Indians.