New Delhi, February 9 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a significant announcement today, revealing that former Prime Ministers PV Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh, along with agriculture luminary Dr. MS Swaminathan, will be honored with the prestigious Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in India.
In a statement shared on social media platform ‘X’, PM Modi expressed his delight in conferring the Bharat Ratna upon PV Narasimha Rao, acknowledging his distinguished contributions as a scholar and statesman. Born on June 28, 1921, in Karimnagar, Telangana, Narasimha Rao’s political journey included serving as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Union Minister, and as a Member of Parliament and Legislative Assembly.
“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,” said PM Modi.
Chaudhary Charan Singh, remembered for his unwavering dedication to farmers’ rights and welfare, will posthumously receive the Bharat Ratna. PM Modi highlighted Singh’s remarkable contributions as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Home Minister of the country, and his steadfast stand against the Emergency.
“It is the good fortune of our government that former Prime Minister of the country Chaudhary Charan Singh is being honoured with Bharat Ratna. This honour is dedicated to his incomparable contribution to the country. He had dedicated his entire life to the rights and welfare of farmers,” PM Modi shared on ‘X’.
The third recipient, Dr. MS Swaminathan, recognized as the father of the Green Revolution in India, will also be posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna. Swaminathan passed away on September 28, 2023, at the age of 98. Prime Minister Modi commended Swaminathan’s visionary leadership, which significantly transformed Indian agriculture and ensured the nation’s food security.
“It is a matter of immense joy that the Government of India is conferring the Bharat Ratna on Dr MS Swaminathan, in recognition of his monumental contributions to our nation in agriculture and farmers’ welfare,” PM Modi stated.
The announcements were met with widespread appreciation, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasizing that such decisions are taken beyond political considerations. BJP National President JP Nadda also extended his wishes, stating that the work done by Chaudhary Charan Singh for farmers is unforgettable.
The Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in India, is a testament to the exceptional contributions and leadership of these esteemed individuals in various fields, shaping India’s growth, prosperity, and agricultural development.
