'Bharat Ratna' For Former PMs P V Narasimha Rao, Chaudhary Charan Singh And Scientist M S Swaminathan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (9 February) announced that India's highest civilian honour 'Bharat Ratna' will be posthumously conferred on former prime ministers P V Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh.

Further, renowned agriculture scientist M S Swaminathan will also be awarded Bharat Ratna posthumously.

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On Bharat Ratna to former PM Rao, Prime Minister Modi said that his visionary leadership was instrumental in making India economically advanced, laying a solid foundation for the country's prosperity and growth.

"Narasimha Rao Garu’s tenure as Prime Minister was marked by significant measures that opened India to global markets, fostering a new era of economic development. Furthermore, his contributions to India's foreign policy, language and education sectors underscore his multifaceted legacy as a leader who not only steered India through critical transformations but also enriched its cultural and intellectual heritage," PM Modi said.

On Bharat Ratna to Chaudhary Charan Singh, PM Modi said that the honor is dedicated to his incomparable contribution to the country.

"He had dedicated his entire life to the rights and welfare of farmers. Be it the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh or the Home Minister of the country and even as an MLA, he always gave impetus to nation building," PM Modi said.

"He also stood firm against the Emergency. His dedication to our farmer brothers and sisters and his commitment to democracy during the Emergency is inspiring to the entire nation," he added.

On Bharat Ratna to M S Swaminathan, who is also known as main architect of India's green revolution, PM Modi said that the award recognises Swaminathan's "monumental contributions" to India in agriculture and farmers’ welfare.

"He played a pivotal role in helping India achieve self-reliance in agriculture during challenging times and made outstanding efforts towards modernizing Indian agriculture," PM Modi said.

"We also recognise his invaluable work as an innovator and mentor and encouraging learning and research among several students. Dr. Swaminathan’s visionary leadership has not only transformed Indian agriculture but also ensured the nation’s food security and prosperity," he added.

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