The Government of India has announced Bharat Ratna 2024 for former prime ministers P.V. Narasimha Rao (posthumously), Chaudhary Charan Singh (posthumously) and “the Father of Economic Ecology” Dr. M. S. Swaminathan (posthumously). Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award and is conferred in recognition of “exceptional service/performance of the highest order”.
P.V. Narasimha Rao was the 9th prime minister of India who is known for introducing various liberal reforms to India’s economy. He was born on 28 June 1921 and died on 9 December 2004.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X: “Delighted to share that our former Prime Minister, Shri PV Narasimha Rao Garu, will be honoured with the Bharat Ratna.
As a distinguished scholar and statesman, Narasimha Rao Garu served India extensively in various capacities. He is equally remembered for the work he did as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Union Minister, and as a Member of Parliament and Legislative Assembly for many years. His visionary leadership was instrumental in making India economically advanced, laying a solid foundation for the country’s prosperity and growth.
Narasimha Rao Garu’s tenure as Prime Minister was marked by significant measures that opened India to global markets, fostering a new era of economic development. Furthermore, his contributions to India’s foreign policy, language and education sectors underscore his multifaceted legacy as a leader who not only steered India through critical transformations but also enriched its cultural and intellectual heritage.”
Chaudhary Charan Singh was the 5th prime minister of India and followed Mahatma Gandhi in non-violent struggle for independence from the British Government. He was born 23 December 1903 and died on 29 May 1990.
PM Modi, in a post on X said, “It is a matter of immense joy that the Government of India is conferring the Bharat Ratna on Dr. MS Swaminathan Ji, in recognition of his monumental contributions to our nation in agriculture and farmers’ welfare. He played a pivotal role in helping India achieve self-reliance in agriculture during challenging times and made outstanding efforts towards modernizing Indian agriculture. We also recognise his invaluable work as an innovator and mentor and encouraging learning and research among several students. Dr. Swaminathan’s visionary leadership has not only transformed Indian agriculture but also ensured the nation’s food security and prosperity. He was someone I knew closely and I always valued his insights and inputs.”
Dr. M. S. Swaminathan was an Indian agronomist, agricultural scientist, plant geneticist, administrator, and humanitarian. He was a global leader of the green revolution and United Nations Environment Programme has called him “the Father of Economic Ecology”.
Expressing his happiness, PM Modi posted on X,
“It is a matter of immense joy that the Government of India is conferring the Bharat Ratna on Dr. MS Swaminathan Ji, in recognition of his monumental contributions to our nation in agriculture and farmers’ welfare. He played a pivotal role in helping India achieve self-reliance in agriculture during challenging times and made outstanding efforts towards modernizing Indian agriculture. We also recognise his invaluable work as an innovator and mentor and encouraging learning and research among several students. Dr. Swaminathan’s visionary leadership has not only transformed Indian agriculture but also ensured the nation’s food security and prosperity. He was someone I knew closely and l always valued his insights and inputs.”
Earlier, the government had announced that Bharat Ratna would be awarded to Karpoori Thakur (Posthumous) and Lal Krishna Advani.
