In a significant announcement on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed that the prestigious Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, will be conferred upon former Prime Ministers PV Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh, along with renowned agriculture scientist MS Swaminathan. This recognition adds to the list of recipients that already includes Bharatiya Janata Party veteran Lal Krishna Advani and former Bihar chief minister Karpoori Thakur.
Expressing his delight, Modi highlighted the remarkable contributions of PV Narasimha Rao, praising his distinguished service to India in various capacities. Recognized as a visionary leader, Narasimha Rao played a pivotal role in steering the country through critical transformations, making India economically advanced. His tenure as Prime Minister marked significant measures that opened India to global markets, fostering a new era of economic development. Modi also acknowledged Narasimha Rao’s impact on India’s foreign policy, language, and education sectors.
Chaudhary Charan Singh, the former Prime Minister, was honored for his incomparable contribution to the country, particularly in championing the rights and welfare of farmers. Modi emphasized Singh’s dedication to nation-building, evident during his roles as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Home Minister of the country, and as an MLA. Singh’s steadfast stance against the Emergency and commitment to democracy left an indelible mark on the nation.
MS Swaminathan, a luminary in the field of agriculture, received recognition for his monumental contributions to the nation’s agriculture and farmers’ welfare. Modi celebrated Swaminathan’s pivotal role in achieving self-reliance in agriculture during challenging times and commended his efforts towards modernizing Indian agriculture. Swaminathan’s work as an innovator and mentor, fostering learning and research, was also acknowledged by the Prime Minister.
In conclusion, Modi expressed immense joy at conferring the Bharat Ratna on these distinguished individuals, underscoring their transformative contributions to India’s economic, political, and agricultural landscapes. The honors reflect the government’s recognition of their invaluable service to the nation, further enriching India’s cultural, intellectual, and agricultural heritage.
