TAG: PRELIMS SPECIFIC
THE CONTEXT: In a significant announcement, Prime Minister revealed that three distinguished individuals – former Prime Ministers PV Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh, along with renowned agriculture scientist MS Swaminathan – are to be conferred with the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award.
EXPLANATION:
- This prestigious recognition underscores their exceptional contributions to the nation in diverse fields.
- The Centre had earlier announced the Bharat Ratna for Bharatiya Janata Party veteran Lal Krishna Advani and former Bihar chief minister Karpoori Thakur.
PV Narasimha Rao: Architect of Economic Reforms
- Legacy of Leadership
- Prime Minister extolled the accomplishments of PV Narasimha Rao, highlighting his multifaceted legacy as a scholar and statesman.
- Narasimha Rao’s extensive service to India, encompassing roles as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Union Minister, and a prominent Member of Parliament and Legislative Assembly, is acknowledged.
- His visionary leadership, particularly during his tenure as Prime Minister, played a pivotal role in ushering in economic reforms that opened India to global markets.
- Economic Advancement and Global Integration
- Underlining the transformative measures enacted during Narasimha Rao’s leadership, PM emphasized their instrumental role in making India economically advanced.
- These reforms laid a robust foundation for the country’s prosperity and growth.
- The former Prime Minister’s contributions extended beyond economic realms to India’s foreign policy, language, and education sectors, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s cultural and intellectual heritage.
Chaudhary Charan Singh: Champion of Farmers’ Rights
- Incomparable Contribution to the Nation
- PM expressed the government’s good fortune in honouring Chaudhary Charan Singh with the Bharat Ratna, dedicating this recognition to Singh’s unparalleled contribution to the nation.
- He served as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Home Minister of the country, and as an MLA, devoted his life to championing the rights and welfare of farmers.
- Defender of Democracy
- The tribute extended to Chaudhary Charan Singh encompasses his role as a staunch defender of democracy during challenging times, particularly the Emergency.
- PM highlighted Singh’s steadfast commitment to nation-building and his unwavering support for farmers, emphasizing the enduring inspiration Singh’s legacy provides to the entire nation.
MS Swaminathan: Trailblazer in Agriculture
- Monumental Contributions to Agriculture
- Prime Minister lauded the monumental contributions of Dr. MS Swaminathan to Indian agriculture and farmers’ welfare.
- Recognizing Swaminathan’s pivotal role in achieving self-reliance in agriculture during challenging periods, PM emphasized his outstanding efforts towards modernizing Indian agriculture.
- Visionary Leadership and Food Security
- Swaminathan’s visionary leadership not only transformed Indian agriculture but also ensured the nation’s food security and prosperity.
- The Bharat Ratna is a testament to Swaminathan’s invaluable work as an innovator, mentor, and advocate for learning and research in the field of agriculture.
Conclusion: A Triumphant Acknowledgment of Excellence
- The announcement of Bharat Ratna for PV Narasimha Rao, Chaudhary Charan Singh, and MS Swaminathan signifies the recognition of their exceptional contributions that have left an indelible impact on India’s economic, political, and agricultural landscapes.
- This honour is not only a celebration of individual achievements but also a collective acknowledgment of their enduring legacies, each playing a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of the nation.
- As India bestows its highest civilian honour upon these visionaries, it reflects a triumphant acknowledgment of excellence and a commitment to preserving and promoting their impactful contributions for generations to come.
Bharat Ratna:
- Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award of the country.
- It is awarded in recognition of exceptional service/performance of the highest order in any field of human endeavour.
- It is treated on a different footing from Padma Award.
- The recommendations for Bharat Ratna are made by the Prime Minister to the President of India.
- The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of three in a particular year.