Bharat Ratna: India’s highest civilian honour

The Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award in India, recognizing outstanding contributions in various fields.

The award was established on 2 January 1954 by President Dr Rajendra Prasad.

It was initially limited to arts, literature, science, and public service. In 2011, it was expanded to include any field of human endeavour.

Designed by Nandalal Bose, the Bharat Ratna medallion is peepal leaf-shaped and made of bronze.

The front bears an image of the Sun with ‘Bharat Ratna’ inscribed in Devanagari. The reverse features the State Emblem of India and the motto Satyameva Jayate. It is worn on a white ribbon around the neck.

The award is conferred for exceptional service, irrespective of race, occupation, position, or sex.

It can be awarded posthumously if the individual passes away within five years of the recommendation.

However, it is not given to anyone convicted of a criminal offence or found guilty of moral misconduct.

The selection begins with the Prime Minister recommending names to the President after Cabinet approval.

Nominations come from various sources, including state governments, ministries, Parliament members, and eminent individuals.

The final decision rests with the President, and the announcement is typically made on the eve of Republic Day.

Though the Bharat Ratna carries no monetary reward, recipients receive several privileges:

• A lifetime pension equivalent to the Chief Justice of India’s salary.
• Discounted travel on Air India within India.
• Priority boarding at airports and railway stations.
• Z+ security is covered by the Central Reserve Police Force.
• Inclusion in the official protocol list at the seventh rank.
• A state funeral with full military honours if the recipient dies in India.

A maximum of three Bharat Ratna awards can be conferred annually.

As of 2024, 53 individuals have received this prestigious honour, recognizing their unparalleled contributions to India’s progress and prestige.

Image Credit: Kavikaravi, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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