1. Former PMs PV Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh, along with scientist MS Swaminathan, to receive posthumous Bharat Ratna.
2. PM Modi lauds Chaudhary Charan Singh’s dedication to farmers’ welfare and his role in nation-building.
3. Announcement underscores recognition of their significant contributions to India’s progress and development.
New Delhi, Feb 09: Former prime ministers PV Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh, along with scientist MS Swaminathan, revered as the father of the Green Revolution, are set to receive India’s highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, posthumously, as announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday.
Modi hailed Chaudhary Charan Singh’s dedication to the welfare of farmers and his pivotal role in nation-building, citing his steadfastness during the Emergency and his commitment to democracy. He highlighted Singh’s contributions as Uttar Pradesh chief minister, India’s home minister, and his unwavering advocacy for farmers’ rights.
It is a matter of immense joy that the Government of India is conferring the Bharat Ratna on Dr. MS Swaminathan Ji, in recognition of his monumental contributions to our nation in agriculture and farmers’ welfare. He played a pivotal role in helping India achieve self-reliance in… pic.twitter.com/OyxFxPeQjZ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 9, 2024
Also Read: Sikkim Congress Prepares for Elections: President Gopal Chettri Convenes with AICC Screening Committee
Responding to Modi’s announcement, Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief and Singh’s grandson, Jayant Chaudhary, expressed gratitude, stating that the decision has “won hearts”.
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
Narasimha Rao, recognized as a distinguished scholar and statesman, was lauded by Modi for his multifaceted leadership that propelled India towards economic advancement. Rao’s tenure as prime minister was marked by significant economic reforms and strides in foreign policy, language, and education sectors.
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
Swaminathan’s contributions to agriculture and farmer welfare were highlighted by Modi, who praised his role in achieving agricultural self-reliance in India and modernizing the agricultural sector.
Swaminathan’s visionary leadership transformed Indian agriculture, ensuring food security and prosperity for the nation.
Modi’s announcement of the Bharat Ratna for these esteemed figures comes amidst recent announcements of the award for former deputy prime minister Lal Krishna Advani and two-time Bihar chief minister Karpoori Thakur.
Thakur, known for championing equitable distribution of reservation benefits, received the award on his birth centenary, reinforcing his legacy of affirmative action among backward classes.
