Former President of India Pranab Mukherjee, Assamese singer and musician Bhupen Hazarika and Bharatiya Jana Sangh leader Nanaji Deshmukh were awarded Bharat Ratna by the President of India Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday. Bhupen Hazarika and Nanaji Deshmukh were awarded posthumously and their family member received the highest civilian honor on their behalf.
Watch LIVE as President Kovind presents Bharat Ratna to Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Shri Nanaji Deshmukh (posthumously) and Dr Bhupen Hazarika (posthumously) at Rashtrapati Bhavan https://t.co/dmvFSQQGMS
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 8, 2019
Pranab Mukherjee was the thirteenth President of India and has spent over five decades in Indian Politics. The 83- year-old true Congressman, served the country under the governments led by Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, P V Narasimha Rao, and Manmohan Singh. Prior to his role as the President of India, he also has held the office of Union Finance Ministry from 2009-2012.
Expressing his gratitude to the people of India, Pranab Mukherjee took to his Twitter handle, writing, “My heartfelt gratitude to Rashtrapatiji @rashtrapatibhvn & the people of our nation for bestowing the #BharatRatna on me. This honour is more for the people of our country from whom I have received much more than I have been able to give.
My heartfelt gratitude to Rashtrapatiji @rashtrapatibhvn & the people of our nation for bestowing the #BharatRatna on me. This honour is more for the people of our country from whom I have received much more than I have been able to give.#CitizenMukherjee https://t.co/JvUxvjrZaV
— Pranab Mukherjee (@CitiznMukherjee) August 8, 2019
Assamese singer Bhupen Hazarika, known for his baritone voice and for making music on themes ranging from romance to social and political commentary, gave recognition to the cultural and folk music of Assam and Northeast India. Popularly known as Sudhakantha, meaning the nightingale, he had received the National Film Award, Padmashri, Dada Saheb Phalke Award, Padma Vibhushan, and many other prestigious honors.
President Kovind presents Bharat Ratna to Dr Bhupen Hazarika (posthumously). A renowned singer, lyricist, musician, poet and filmmaker, Bhupen Da popularised India's musical traditions globally. pic.twitter.com/kLIg8IML8X
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 8, 2019
Nanaji Deshmukh represented Uttar Pradesh’s Balrampur constituency in the Lok Sabha from 1977 to 1979. One of the founding members of Bharatiya Jan Sangh, Nanaji Deshmukh established a chain of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) inspired schools throughout India. The veteran also played a key role in the Jai Prakash (JP) movement against Emergency in 1974 and was awarded with Padma Vibhushan.
President Kovind presents Bharat Ratna to Shri Nanaji Deshmukh (Posthumously). Shri Nanaji Deshmukh was an eminent social activist who devoted himself to the welfare of the society and made immense contribution in the fields of education, healthcare and rural development. pic.twitter.com/fBBsKrSjmv
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 8, 2019
Many dignitaries in the central government, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, and others were present at the grand ceremony held in Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. Later, PM Modi took to his social media handle congratulating all the awardees acknowledging their efforts in the development of India.
Dear @CitiznMukherjee,
It was an honour to witness you receiving the Bharat Ratna, a fitting recognition of everything that you have done for the nation.
Thank you for leaving no stone unturned towards making India more developed. pic.twitter.com/R6YNVDtjPF
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 9, 2019
The music of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika transcends all barriers! He is a universally admired cultural icon, whose rich works capture all aspects of human spirit and emotions. The Bharat Ratna (Posthumously) is a manifestation of his contribution to our culture and music. pic.twitter.com/LL2PdoWPmT
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 9, 2019
India pays tributes to the great Nanaji Deshmukh Ji. He undertook many efforts to improve India’s villages and empower the lives of our rural population. He epitomised honesty, humility and probity in public life.
Happy that he has been conferred the Bharat Ratna (Posthumously). pic.twitter.com/Y0A2dQ2h0I
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 9, 2019
The highest civilian honor of the Republic of India, Bharat Ratna, is given for exceptional service or performance of an individual. The recommendations for Bharat Ratna are made by the Prime Minister to the President, with a maximum of three nominees being awarded per year. Recipients receive a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a peepal leaf-shaped medallion.
