The Highest Civilian Award in India: The Bharat Ratna

The Bharat Ratna, often referred to as the ldquo;Jewel of India,rdquo; is the highest civilian award in India. It is bestowed to recognize exceptional service or performance of the highest order in any field of human endeavor. The criteria for this prestigious award are stringent, and very few recipients are honored each year.

Eligibility and Recipients

The Bharat Ratna is awarded by the President of India, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions in arts, literature, sciences, sports, and public services. The award was first conferred in 1954 to notable figures such as C. Rajagopalachari, Dr. S Radhakrishnan, and Dr. C. V. Raman.

As of 2024, the maximum number of recipients is set at five. However, multiple individuals can receive it in a single year. For instance, in 2022, the civilian award was conferred upon two individuals: Dr. Prem Kumar Dhumal, the President of the state of Himachal Pradesh, and Mahendra Nath Pandey, who is acclaimed for his heroism during the 1984 Bhopal gas leak, where he saved over 15,000 lives.

Foreign nationals have also been honored with this prestigious award. Notably, Abdul Gaffar Khan and Nelson Mandela were awarded this honor, signifying the international recognition of their contributions.

Structure and Design

The Bharat Ratna is a highly elaborate and intricate piece, symbolizing the highest form of honor. Its design features a peepal leaf, about 5.8 cm long and 4.7 cm wide, which is 3.1 mm thick. The leaf is tonede bronze and is embossed with a representation of the sun, 1.6 cm in diameter, below which the words ldquo;Bharat Ratnardquo; are inscribed in Devanagari script. This award stands as a testament to the distinguished work and the remarkable achievements of its recipients.

Other Civilian Awards in India

India has a multi-tiered system of civilian awards that includes Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri.

Bharat Ratna: Considered the highest civilian award, it is conferred for achievements in the fields of science, arts, literature, and public services, as well as sports (since 2013). Padma Vibhushan: Second-highest civilian honor, also conferred for distinguished contributions in various fields. Padma Bhushan: Third-highest civilian honor, recognizing achievements in different professional fields. Padma Shri: A fourth-class civilian honor, awarded for notable achievements in various disciplines.

These awards are presented by the President of India on the Republic Day. They are produced at the Indian Government Mint in Kolkata, each carrying significant historical and cultural value.

Notable Recipients

The Bharat Ratna has been awarded to many notable figures, including some of the founding fathers of modern India. Notable recipients have included Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. More recently, the award has been given to individuals like Vivekanand Kelkar, who received the award posthumously in 2023 for his contributions to democracy and the rule of law.

Conclusion

The Bharat Ratna is more than just an award; it is a symbol of the highest honor and recognition that India can bestow upon its citizens. It represents the recognition of exceptional service and performance in diverse fields, and its recipients continue to inspire and motivate young Indians to strive for excellence in their pursuits.