In a move to honour the outstanding contributions of eminent figures in Indian politics and science, the Government of India has announced that former Prime Ministers Chaudhary Charan Singh and P V Narasimha Rao, along with renowned agricultural scientist Dr M S Swaminathan, will be posthumously conferred with the prestigious Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award.
Prime Minister Narendra Mod took to X and said this honour is dedicated to the former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh’s incomparable contribution to the country
हमारी सरकार का यह सौभाग्य है कि देश के पूर्व प्रधानमंत्री चौधरी चरण सिंह जी को भारत रत्न से सम्मानित किया जा रहा है। यह सम्मान देश के लिए उनके अतुलनीय योगदान को समर्पित है। उन्होंने किसानों के अधिकार और उनके कल्याण के लिए अपना पूरा जीवन समर्पित कर दिया था। उत्तर प्रदेश के… pic.twitter.com/gB5LhaRkIv
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 9, 2024
Chaudhary Charan Singh, popularly known as the “Champion of Farmers,” served as the 5th Prime Minister of India for a brief period from July 1979 to January 1980. Throughout his political career, Singh tirelessly championed the cause of farmers and rural communities, advocating for agrarian reform and equitable distribution of resources. His unwavering commitment to the welfare of farmers earned him widespread admiration and respect across the country.
Taking to X, PM Modi said that, as a distinguished scholar and statesman, Narasimha Rao served India extensively in various capacities.
Delighted to share that our former Prime Minister, Shri PV Narasimha Rao Garu, will be honoured with the Bharat Ratna.
As a distinguished scholar and statesman, Narasimha Rao Garu served India extensively in various capacities. He is equally remembered for the work he did as… pic.twitter.com/lihdk2BzDU
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 9, 2024
P V Narasimha Rao, the 9th Prime Minister of India, held office from 1991 to 1996 and is widely regarded as the architect of India’s economic liberalisation. At a time of economic crisis, Rao spearheaded bold reforms that dismantled the License Raj and unleashed the forces of market-driven growth, laying the foundation for India’s emergence as a global economic powerhouse. His visionary leadership and pragmatic approach to governance have left an indelible mark on the nation’s economic trajectory.
Dr M S Swaminathan, a towering figure in the field of agricultural science, is renowned for his pioneering work in crop improvement and sustainable agriculture. He played a pivotal role in India’s Green Revolution, which transformed the country from a food-deficient nation to a self-sufficient agricultural powerhouse. Swaminathan’s research and advocacy for sustainable farming practices have had a profound impact not only in India but also across the world, earning him international acclaim and recognition.
The decision to confer the Bharat Ratna upon Chaudhary Charan Singh, P V Narasimha Rao, and Dr M S Swaminathan underscores the government’s commitment to acknowledging excellence and merit in various fields. The prestigious award serves as a fitting tribute to their remarkable contributions to the nation’s progress and development.
Reacting to the announcement, leaders across the political spectrum and eminent personalities from the scientific community lauded the decision, hailing the recipients as stalwarts who have left an indelible legacy in their respective domains. They expressed hope that the recognition bestowed upon Chaudhary Charan Singh, P V Narasimha Rao, and Dr M S Swaminathan would inspire future generations to strive for excellence and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s growth and prosperity.
