On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that the recipients of India’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, are to be former Prime Ministers PV Narasimha Rao, Chaudhary Charan Singh, and agronomist MS Swaminathan. Using the social media site X, PM Modi announced the news through a number of postings.
In a tweet, Modi wrote, “Delighted to share that our former Prime Minister, Shri PV Narasimha Rao Garu, will be honoured with the Bharat Ratna.” Liberalization, Privatization, and Globalization (LPG) reforms were famously adopted in 1991, and Rao was the prime minister during that time.
The message by PM Modi went on to say, “Narasimha Rao Garu was a distinguished statesman and scholar who served India extensively in a variety of positions. His service as the Union Minister, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, and a long-serving member of the Legislative Assembly and Parliament will also be remembered. His astute leadership played a pivotal role in propelling India’s economy forward, establishing a strong basis for its affluence and expansion.”
Modi also remarked that Rao’s time as Prime Minister was characterized by “important steps that facilitated India’s integration into global markets, ushering in a fresh phase of economic progress.” Additionally, his impact on India’s diplomacy, linguistic diversity, and educational advancements highlight his diverse legacy as a leader who not only navigated India through pivotal changes but also enriched its cultural and intellectual landscape.
December 23, 2004, was Rao’s death date.
In a separate statement, Modi expressed his delight over the Indian government’s decision to award the Bharat Ratna to Dr. MS Swaminathan, acknowledging his significant achievements in agriculture and the welfare of farmers, which have greatly benefited our nation.
In India, Swaminathan is also referred to as the “Father of Green Revolution”.
“During difficult times, he was instrumental in assisting India to become self-sufficient in its agricultural sector and made exceptional contributions to modernizing Indian agriculture. We also acknowledge his outstanding contributions as a mentor and inventor who has inspired several students to pursue learning and research,” PM Modi stated. “The visionary leadership of Dr. Swaminathan has not only revolutionized Indian agriculture but also secured the food security and prosperity of the country.” I had a close relationship with him and always appreciated his opinions and observations.”
The date of Swaminathan’s passing was September 28, 2023.
According to PM Modi, Chaudhary Charan Singh’s “incomparable contribution to the country” is the reason behind the honor. “He had devoted his entire life to promoting farmers’ rights and wellbeing. Whether serving as the nation’s home minister or as the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, or even as an MLA, he consistently promoted nation-building. He resisted the Emergency with firmness as well. The entire country is inspired by his devotion to democracy throughout the Emergency and his devotion to our agricultural brothers and sisters,” he remarked.
Singh’s Bharat Ratna demand was made only a few days ago by the Rashtriya Lok Dal. Singh, who was regarded as a farmer’s leader, died in 1987. Former Bihar chief minister Karpoori Thakur and BJP stalwart L K Advani were also given the Bharat Ratna by the Centre earlier.
