Bharat Ratna Awards 2024

What is Bharat Ratna?

The Bharat Ratna is India's top civilian honor. Started on January 2, 1954, it rewards outstanding service or achievement in any area, regardless of a person's race, job, status, or gender. Initially, it was given for contributions in arts, literature, science, and public service. However, in December 2011, the Indian government broadened the criteria to cover achievements in any field.

Are there any equivalents of Bharat Ratna award in the world?

Yes, many countries have their own highest civilian awards equivalent to India's Bharat Ratna, recognizing exceptional service or achievements in various fields. Here are a few examples:

• 1. United States: The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award, recognizing individuals who have made "an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors."
• 2. United Kingdom: The Order of Merit is a British order awarded to individuals who have demonstrated distinguished service in the armed forces, science, art, literature, or for the promotion of culture.
• 3. France: The Legion of Honour, known in French as the Légion d'honneur, is the highest French order of merit for military and civil merits, established in 1802 by Napoléon Bonaparte.
• 4. Japan: The Order of the Chrysanthemum is Japan's highest order, which is awarded by the Emperor of Japan for distinguished achievements in a range of fields.
• 5. Canada: The Order of Canada is one of the country's highest civilian honors, recognizing outstanding achievement, dedication to the community, and service to the nation across all sectors of society.
• 6. Australia: The Companion of the Order of Australia is awarded for eminent achievement and merit of the highest degree in service to Australia or humanity at large.
• 7. Germany: The Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, also known as the Bundesverdienstkreuz, is the highest tribute the Federal Republic of Germany can pay to individuals for services to the nation.

Why awards like Bharat Ratna are important?

Awards play a pivotal role in society, influencing behaviors, perceptions, and interactions across various domains. Their significance can be understood through the insights provided by notable works in sociology, psychology, political science, and economics, each offering a distinct perspective on the multifaceted impact of awards.

Sociology: Validation and Social Roles Erving Goffman's "The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life" sheds light on the societal aspect of awards, illustrating how individuals navigate social roles and seek validation. Awards act as a form of societal acknowledgment, recognizing an individual's contribution and performance in their respective roles. This recognition not only validates their efforts but also reinforces the social norms and values, encouraging others to emulate commendable behaviors.

Psychology: Motivation and Self-Esteem In "Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us," Daniel H. Pink explores the psychological impact of awards, highlighting their role in motivating individuals. Awards serve as both intrinsic and extrinsic motivators, enhancing an individual's motivation to pursue excellence and contributing to their self-esteem. This recognition fulfills a fundamental human need for appreciation, driving individuals towards higher achievements.

Political Science: Diplomacy and Influence Joseph S. Nye Jr.'s "Soft Power: The Means to Success in World Politics" introduces the concept of soft power, incorporating awards as tools for diplomacy and international influence. Awards can be strategically used to honor individuals and entities, fostering goodwill and strengthening international relations. Murray Edelman's "The Symbolic Uses of Politics" further discusses how awards serve as symbolic acts that influence public perception and reinforce the legitimacy of political systems, highlighting their importance in political strategies.

Economics: Incentives and Market Behavior "The Economics of Awards" by Bruno S. Frey and Jana Gallus analyzes awards from an economic perspective, focusing on their role as incentives that influence behavior and performance. Awards signal exceptional achievement to the market, potentially affecting funding, investment, and consumption patterns. Dan Ariely's "Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions" complements this view by examining how awards impact human motivation and decision-making, underlining their economic significance beyond mere recognition

Changing trends in the history of Bharat Ratna?

• Initial Focus on Political and Independence Leaders

In the early years following its inception in 1954, the Bharat Ratna was predominantly awarded to prominent political figures and leaders of the Indian independence movement. This trend underscores the nation's initial focus on honoring those who played pivotal roles in establishing and shaping the newly independent country. Figures like C. Rajagopalachari, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, and Jawaharlal Nehru were instrumental in the political and ideological foundation of India.

• Broadening to Include Diverse Fields

Over time, the scope of the Bharat Ratna expanded beyond politics to include exceptional contributions in various fields such as science, arts, literature, and sports. This shift reflects a broader recognition of nation-building beyond political leadership, acknowledging contributions to cultural richness, scientific advancement, and social welfare. The awards to C.V. Raman, a Nobel laureate physicist, and M.S. Subbulakshmi, a Carnatic vocalist, exemplify this trend.

• Posthumous Recognitions

The allowance for posthumous awards marked a significant shift, enabling the nation to honor contributors who were not recognized during their lifetime. This change highlights a retrospective acknowledgment of enduring contributions to the nation's heritage and development, such as the 1 st posthumous recognition of Lal Bahadur Shastri in 1966 and then B.R. Ambedkar in 1990, which underscored their lasting impact on Indian society and polity.

• International Figures and Global Outreach

The Bharat Ratna's scope further widened to include non-Indian recipients, reflecting India's growing global engagement and the recognition of international figures who contributed to human rights, peace, and cooperation. The awards to Nelson Mandela and Mother Teresa, for instance, signify India's acknowledgment of global contributions to peace, harmony, and humanitarian efforts, aligning with universal values and international camaraderie.

• Recognition of Popular Figures and Mass Appeal

The inclusion of popular figures such as Sachin Tendulkar, a cricketing legend, marked a trend towards recognizing individuals who have had a profound impact on the popular culture and collective consciousness of the nation. This shift acknowledges the role of sports and entertainment in fostering national pride and unity, and the significant influence these domains have on society.

• Recent Trends Towards Comprehensive Representation

In recent years, there has been a noticeable trend towards a more comprehensive representation of India's diverse fabric in the award's recipients. This includes recognizing leaders from various political, social, and scientific backgrounds, reflecting a multifaceted approach to acknowledging contributions to India's development. The awards to figures like A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, an aerospace scientist and former President of India, and Lata Mangeshkar, a legendary playback singer, illustrate the award's evolving nature to encompass a wide range of fields and contributions.

So, the changing trends in the Bharat Ratna awards over the years reflect the evolving priorities and values of Indian society, from honoring the architects of its independence and political framework to acknowledging contributions in science, culture, sports, and international humanitarian efforts.

What is Nomination and selection process?

What are the components of the Bharat Ratna Award?

What are the different privileges Given to the Awardee?

Precedence:

Bharat Ratna recipients are given precedence in the Indian order of precedence, which is a protocol list that ranks the most important positions within the Government of India. Bharat Ratna awardees rank seventh in the order of precedence.

Diplomatic Passport:

Recipients of the Bharat Ratna are entitled to a diplomatic passport, which is typically reserved for diplomats and top-ranking government officials. This facilitates easier travel across borders.

State Guest Status:

When traveling within any state in India, Bharat Ratna awardees are treated as state guests, entitling them to certain courtesies and privileges during their stay.

Concessional Train & Air Travel:

There have been instances where Bharat Ratna recipients were offered concessional fares by the national carrier, Air India. However, such privileges can vary and may not be a standard entitlement for all recipients.

It's important to note that the Bharat Ratna does not include any monetary grant or reward. The honor is purely symbolic, recognizing the recipient's invaluable contribution to the nation. The prestige of the award lies in its recognition of the awardee's exceptional service to the Republic of India, transcending material benefits.

Evolution of Specifications of the Bharat Ratna Medal

Original Design (1954):

• Shape and Material: The original medal was a gold circle, 1+3⁄8 inches (35 mm) in diameter.
• Obverse Side: Featured a centered image of the sun, with the text "Bharat Ratna" in Devanagari script inscribed on the upper edge in silver gilt, and a wreath along the lower edge.
• Reverse Side: A platinum State Emblem of India centered, with the national motto "Satyameva Jayate" (Truth Alone Triumphs) in Devanagari script inscribed in silver-gilt on the lower edge.

Modified Design (Post-1955):

• Shape: Changed to a peepal leaf, approximately 2+5⁄16 inches (59 mm) long, 1+7⁄8 inches (48 mm) wide, and 1⁄8 inch (3.2 mm) thick, rimmed in platinum.
• Obverse Side: Maintains an embossed sunburst design made of platinum, with rays spreading out. The inscription "Bharat Ratna" remains in Devanagari script.
• Reverse Side: Continues to feature the State Emblem of India and the motto "Satyameva Jayate", similar to the original design.
• Ribbon: A 2-inch-wide (51 mm) white ribbon is attached for wearing around the neck.
• Material Changes: The silver-gilt decoration was changed to burnished bronze in 1957.
• Minting: The medals are minted at the Alipore Mint in Kolkata.

What are different controversies in regarding to Bharat Ratna?

• Subhas Chandra Bose (1992):

• Government announced Bharat Ratna for Bose via press release, not through Gazette notification or Sanad issuance.
• Public interest litigation followed, questioning the posthumous award without official acknowledgment of Bose's death.
• Critics felt the award diminished Bose's legacy.
• Supreme Court cancelled the press communique, leaving questions about honoring historical figures unresolved.

• Bharat Ratna as "Titles" and Constitutional Challenges (1992):

• Legal challenges questioned if Bharat Ratna and other civilian awards were "titles" against the Constitution under Article 18(1).
• Madhya Pradesh High Court temporarily suspended the awards.
• Supreme Court clarified these awards do not violate the Constitution, balancing recognition with constitutional values.
• In the case of Balaji Raghavan v. Union of India, AIR 1996, the court said that National awards aren’t titles under clause 1 of Article 18. The court directed for setting up guidelines while giving these awards as they are highly respected.

• Political Figures and Posthumous Honors:

• Posthumous Bharat Ratnas to K. Kamaraj, M.G. Ramachandran (MGR), and B.R. Ambedkar sparked debate over political motivations.
• Critics argued these awards might aim to influence voters, especially when conferred close to elections.

• Sachin Tendulkar's Nomination (2013):

• Tendulkar's Bharat Ratna nomination celebrated but also attracted controversy over selection criteria and political affiliations.
• Litigation alleged violation of the model code of conduct, reflecting concerns over awards being used for political advantage.
• Election Commission dismissed the petition, but the controversy continued over merit and influence in award selections.

What are different criticisms of Bharat Ratna Awards?

Political Motivations and Timing

Awards to Serving Prime Ministers:

• Criticism: Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi receiving the Bharat Ratna while in office raised concerns about the self-conferment of the award, although it was later clarified that these were awarded suo moto by the then respective Presidents of India.

What are different criticisms of Bharat Ratna Awards?