Why in News?

BJP minority body chief has sought Bharat Ratna for RSS founder Keshav Hedgewar. 

Introduction

India, the world’s largest democracy, honours its greatest visionaries, leaders, and contributors through the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award of the nation. Instituted in 1954, the award recognizes “exceptional service of the highest order in any field of human endeavour.” 

From freedom fighters and statesmen to musicians, scientists, and athletes, Bharat Ratna recipients reflect the diversity and richness of India’s national life. As of 2025, the award has been conferred on 53 personalities, including both Indians and a few distinguished foreign nationals. 

History and Evolution of Bharat Ratna

The Bharat Ratna was instituted in January 1954 by the then President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad. 

Initially, the award was restricted to achievements in the arts, literature, science, and public services. 

In 2011, the scope was expanded to include “any field of human endeavour,” allowing athletes like Sachin Tendulkar to be eligible. 

The award can be conferred posthumously (after death). The first such case was Lal Bahadur Shastri in 1966. 

Features of the Bharat Ratna Award

Nature of Award: A Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion in the shape of a Peepal leaf with the words Bharat Ratna in Devanagari script. 

No Monetary Grant: Unlike some awards, it carries no cash prize or pension. 

Position in Order of Precedence: Awardees rank 7th in the Indian order of precedence, alongside Cabinet Ministers. 

Eligibility: Open to all persons irrespective of race, occupation, position, or sex. Foreigners have also been honoured. 

Maximum Limit: A maximum of 3 awards may be given in a single year. 

Complete List of Bharat Ratna Awardees (1954 – 2025)

Facts About Bharat Ratna

• First Recipients (1954): Rajagopalachari, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, C. V. Raman
• First Woman Recipient:Indira Gandhi (1971)
• First Musician Recipient: S. Subbulakshmi (1998)
• Youngest Recipient:Sachin Tendulkar (2014, at age 40)
• Foreign Recipients:Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan (1987) & Nelson Mandela (1990)
• Most Awardees in a Year:4 (in 1999)
• Posthumous Awards:Permitted since 1955
• Total Recipients till 2025:53 

Nomination & Selection Process

Recommendations for Bharat Ratna are made by the Prime Minister to the President of India. 

Any citizen can nominate a person for consideration, but the final decision rests with the PMO and the President. 

There is no formal application process, making it an award purely based on recognition by the State. 

Importance of the Bharat Ratna

It reflects the nation’s gratitude towards extraordinary individuals. 

Strengthens national unity by celebrating icons across diverse fields. 

Encourages younger generations to draw inspiration from the recipients. 

Criticism and Controversies

Political Bias Allegations: Sometimes, selections have been criticised as politically motivated. 

Delayed Recognition: B. R. Ambedkar, one of the makers of modern India, received it only in 1990.

Exclusion of Deserving Candidates: Many eminent personalities from fields like sports, literature, and business are still unrecognised. 

Conclusion

The Bharat Ratna is more than just an award; it is the soul of India’s recognition system, a salute to those who dedicate their lives to the nation. From visionaries like Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and Atal Bihari Vajpayee to cultural legends like Lata Mangeshkar and Bhupen Hazarika, the recipients embody India’s rich legacy of excellence.

As we move ahead, the Bharat Ratna will continue to inspire millions to rise above personal ambition and contribute selflessly to the progress of India.