Former Prime Ministers P. V. Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh, alongside agricultural scientist M. S. Swaminathan, will be honored with the prestigious Bharat Ratna posthumously, India's highest civilian honour. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Friday.
The government had previously declared the highest civilian honour for L K Advani and Karpoori Thakur.
"Narasimha Rao steered India through critical transformations and also enriched its cultural and intellectual heritage," Modi said on X.
Rao's visionary leadership, Modi emphasized, played a pivotal role in advancing India economically and establishing a solid foundation for prosperity and growth.
"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." PM added.
"Our government is fortunate to confer the Bharat Ratna upon former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh. This honor is dedicated to his unparalleled contribution to the country. He devoted his entire life to the rights and welfare of farmers. Whether serving as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, the Home Minister of the country, or even as an MLA, he always provided momentum to nation-building. He stood firm against the Emergency. His dedication to our farmer brothers and sisters and commitment to democracy during the Emergency is inspiring to the entire nation." Modi wrote in a separate post.
Modi also acknowledged Swaminathan's monumental contributions to agriculture and farmers' welfare, highlighting his role in achieving self-reliance in agriculture and efforts in modernizing the sector.
"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," the PM added.
