Pranab Mukherjee, Nanaji Deshmukh And Bhupen Hazarika Awarded Bharat Ratna

The Union government today (25 January) announced Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour for former President Pranab Mukherjee, late singer Bhupen Hazarika and late social activist Nanaji Deshmukh.

The Prime Minister (PM) Shri Narendra Modi congratulated Bharat Ratna Awardees.

PM praised Sangh Ideologue 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 popularised India's music traditions globally. Happy that the Bharat Ratna has been conferred on Bhupen Da” the PM said.

While speaking on Shri 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.”

The Bharat Ratna has been conferred after a gap of four years. Former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and founder of Benaras Hindu University Madan Mohan Malviya were given the award by the Modi government in 2015.