The government had earlier announced the country's highest civilian honour—Bharat Ratna for LK Advani and Karpoori Thakur.
Published Feb 09, 2024 | 1:34 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 09, 2024 | 3:23 PM
Bharat Ratna to former Prime Ministers PV Narimha Rao, Charan Singh and MS Swaminathan. (X)
Former prime ministers PV Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh as well as agriculture scientist MS Swaminathan will be honoured with the Bharat Ratna, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Friday, 9 February.
The government had earlier announced the country’s highest civilian honour for former Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani and former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur.
Taking to the social media platform X, the prime minister said: “Narasimha Rao steered India through critical transformations and also enriched its cultural and intellectual heritage.”
Rao’s visionary leadership, Modi said, was instrumental in making India economically advanced and laid a solid foundation for its prosperity, and growth.
Recalling the leader’s tenure as the chief minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh, Modi said, “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.”
He further said, “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.”
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… pic.twitter.com/lihdk2BzDU
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 9, 2024
“Bharat Ratna to Charan Singh dedicated to his incomparable contribution to the country,” the prime minister said.
The prime minister further said, “He had dedicated his entire life to the rights and welfare of farmers. Be it as the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh or the Home Minister of the country and even as an MLA, he always gave impetus to nation-building.”
“He also stood firm against the Emergency. His dedication to our farmer brothers and sisters and his commitment to democracy during the Emergency is inspiring to the entire nation,” he added.
Rao’s daughter and BRS MLC Vani Devi appreciated the gesture of naming her father for the Bharat Ratna.
Praising PM Narendra Modi for the decision, she said, “Narasimha Rao, who became prime minister when the country was facing tough times, implemented reforms that were recognised by the whole world.”
“Beyond parties, recognising PV and conferring Bharat Ratna shows the good values and manners of our prime minister (Modi),” Vani Devi said.
“Though there is a slight delay, it’s ok. Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian honour. Telangana people are very happy over Bharat Ratna being conferred upon Narasimha Rao. The family members are overwhelmed. We are very excited,” she said.
She also expressed appreciation for the fact that the previous Telangana government headed by former Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao had celebrated the centenary of Narasimha Rao on a grand scale.
“Swaminathan made monumental contributions to the country in agriculture and farmers’ welfare,” Modi said.
He played a pivotal role in helping India achieve self-reliance in agriculture and made outstanding efforts in modernising it, the prime minister said.
Recalling Swaminathan’s contribution, Modi wrote: “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.”
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… pic.twitter.com/OyxFxPeQjZ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 9, 2024
MS Swaminathan’s daughter, former chief scientist and deputy director general at the WHO Dr Soumya Swaminathan expressed her happiness about MS Swaminathan being conferred with the Bharat Ratna.
Thanking the prime minister, Dr Swaminathan said, “On behalf of the family we are very happy that our after has received Bharat Ratna posthumously, we are happy that his work has been recognised by the highest national award that any citizen of India can get.”
Speaking with the media, she further added, “He has spent his whole life to improve the lives of the poorest and the vulnerable Indians. This recognition by the government, sends a strong message to the youth of today, that you can you science and technology to benefit society.”
(With PTI inputs)
