Four receive Bharat Ratna posthumously

All the four awards were conferred posthumously at a brief ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan; President Murmu is likely to visit BJP patriarch L.K. Advani at his official residence to honour him as the nonagenarian leader’s mobility is restricted due to frail health

President Droupadi Murmu confers Bharat Ratna on agriculture scientist Dr. M.S. Swaminathan (posthumously), during the Investiture Ceremony, at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on March 30, 2024. His daughter Dr. Nitya Rao received the award. | Photo Credit: ANI

President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday conferred the Bharat Ratna on former Prime Ministers P.V. Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh; former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur; and agronomist M.S. Swaminathan.

All the four awards were conferred posthumously at a brief ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Earlier this year, the Narendra Modi government had announced five names for India’s highest civilian award, including that of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) patriarch L.K. Advani. President Murmu is likely to visit Mr. Advani’s his official residence to honour him as the nonagenarian leader’s mobility is restricted because of frail health.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP national president J.P. Nadda, Congress president and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar were among those who were present at the ceremony in Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The late Mr. Rao’s award was received by his son, P.V. Prabhakar Rao, while Mr. Singh’s award was received by his grandson, Jayant Chaudhary. Mr. Swaminathan’s daughter, Nitya Rao, received the award for her father, and Mr Thakur’s award was received by his son, Ram Nath Thakur.

“As the ninth Prime Minister of India, Shri P. V. Narasimha Rao led far-reaching economic reforms. Earlier, in his youth, he had taken an active part in the freedom struggle, especially against the misrule and oppression in the Nizam-ruled Hyderabad,” the official handle of the Rashtrapati Bhavan said in a post on social media platform X.

Recalling the late Charan Singh’s role during the freedom struggle in another post on X, President Murmu said, “His contribution to zamindari abolition and land reforms, and his deep understanding of the economy, especially rural and agricultural economy are respectfully remembered. His connect with farmers was legendary.”

President Murmu said Dr. Swaminathan played a major role in making India self-sufficient in food production. “He is known as the ‘Father of India’s Green Revolution’. With his exceptional insight into the entire agricultural value chain, he guided several initiatives for research, education, and development of new varieties and methods,” said another post from the Rashtrapati Bhavan on X.

“He dedicated his entire life to the goal of food and nutrition security for all. He was working on promoting sustainable agriculture with his vision of ‘evergreen revolution’,” the post added.

Recalling the simple living and selfless actions of Karpoori Thakur, the official handle of Rashtrapati Bhavan said: “Working tirelessly to improve the lives of the disadvantaged people, he commanded high regard and had earned the honorific, ‘Jan-Nayak’. Shri Karpoori Thakur was a freedom fighter and a champion of equality and inclusive development.”