New Delhi, March 30: President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Bharat Ratna on four distinguished individuals, including two former Prime Ministers, Chaudhary Charan Singh and PV Narasimha Rao, on Saturday. The prestigious civilian award was also bestowed upon former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur and agronomist MS Swaminathan.
The central government announced five recipients of the Bharat Ratna this year, which included BJP leader LK Advani. It was decided that President Murmu would visit the residence of senior BJP leader LK Advani to present him with the award, considering his declining health.
The award was received by Jayant Singh, grandson of former PM Charan Singh, and PV Prabhakar Rao, son of PV Narasimha Rao. MS Swaminathan’s daughter, Nitya Rao, accepted the award on behalf of her father, while Karpoori Thakur’s son, Ram Nath Thakur, received it.
The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP National President JP Nadda, Congress leader and LoP Mallikarjun Kharge, among other dignitaries.
PV Narasimha Rao, born on June 28, 1921, in Karimnagar, Telangana, had a significant political career serving in various ministerial roles, including Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee.
MS Swaminathan, a renowned plant geneticist, played a crucial role in India’s agricultural sector, contributing to the country’s green revolution.
Born in Karachi, Pakistan, on November 8, 1927, LK Advani served as the President of the Bharatiya Janata Party and held key positions in the government, including Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister.
Karpoori Thakur, born in 1924, emerged as a notable leader advocating for the marginalized sections of society. He served as the Chief Minister of Bihar and championed the cause of social justice.
Chaudhary Charan Singh, born in 1902 in Uttar Pradesh, had a distinguished political career, holding various ministerial positions and serving as a member of the legislative assembly.
