Former President Pranab Mukherjee, Social activist Nanaji Deshmukh and Music maestro Bhupen Hazarika have been awarded with country’s highest civilian honour Bharat Ratna.
According to the press communique issued by President’s office, Pranab Mukherjee, Nanaji Deshmukh and Bhupen Hazarika will be awarded with the honour posthumously.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Bharat Ratna Awardees.
PM praised Nanaji Deshmukh for his contribution to the society and said “Nanaji Deshmukh’s stellar contribution towards rural development showed the way for a new paradigm of empowering those living in our villages. He personifies humility, compassion and service to the downtrodden. He is a Bharat Ratna in the truest sense.”
“The songs and music of Bhupen Hazarika are admired by people across generations. From them radiates the message of Justice, harmony and brotherhood. He popularized India’s music traditions globally. Happy that the Bharat Ratna has been conferred on Bhupen Da.” Modi said.
While speaking on Pranab Mukherjee he said, “Pranab an outstanding statesman of our times. He has served the nation selflessly and tirelessly for decades, leaving a strong imprint on the nation’s growth trajectory. His wisdom and intellect have few parallels. Delighted that he has been conferred Bharat Ratna.”
Minister of State (I/C) Youth Affairs & Sports Rajyavardhan Rathore also congratulated Bharat Ratna Awardees.
The other posthumous award in this year’s list is –
Padma Vibhushan: Folk artiste Teejan Bai, President of Djibouti Ismail Omar Guelleh, Industralist Anilkumar Manibhai Naik and theatre actor Balwant M Purandare
Akali Dal leader Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, mountaineer Bachendri Pal and Journalist Kuldip Nayar are among those who will be given Padma Bhushan
Padma Shri: Actor Manoj Bajpai, footballer Sunil Chhetri, cricketer Gautam Gambhir, actor and writer Kader Khan are among those chosen for the awards this year
