Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Friday (Feb 9) that the prestigious Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian honour in the country, will be bestowed upon former Prime Ministers PV Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh. Additionally, Dr. MS Swaminathan, renowned as the architect of India’s Green Revolution, will also be honored with this award.
PV Narasimha Rao, who served as the ninth Prime Minister from 1991 to 1996, hailed from the Congress party. Prime Minister Modi lauded Rao’s extensive service to India in various capacities, emphasizing his tenure marked by pivotal measures that facilitated India’s integration into global markets, thereby ushering in a new phase of economic progress.
Furthermore, Modi highlighted Rao’s noteworthy contributions to India’s foreign policy, as well as his significant impact on the language and education sectors. He underscored Rao’s multifaceted legacy as a leader who not only navigated India through crucial transformations but also enriched its cultural and intellectual heritage.
Chaudhary Charan Singh, fondly known as the advocate for India’s farmers, held the position of the country’s fifth Prime Minister from 1979 to 1980. Prime Minister Modi lauded Singh’s lifelong dedication to championing the rights and welfare of farmers, acknowledging his profound impact on the agricultural sector.
Regarding Dr. MS Swaminathan, Modi expressed that the Bharat Ratna is being conferred upon him for his monumental contributions to agriculture and farmers’ welfare. Dr. Swaminathan played a pivotal role in guiding India towards self-reliance in agriculture during challenging times, while also spearheading efforts to modernize the Indian agricultural landscape.
Modi further acknowledged Dr. Swaminathan’s invaluable work as an innovator and mentor, nurturing learning and research among numerous students. Dr. Swaminathan’s visionary leadership not only revolutionized Indian agriculture but also ensured the nation’s food security and prosperity, as highlighted by the Prime Minister.