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Bharat Ratna

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

 

Source: TH

 Context: The Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, will be awarded to former Prime Ministers P.V. Narasimha Rao and Choudhary Charan Singh, along with Green Revolution pioneer M.S. Swaminathan, making this year’s list the longest-ever announced in a single year.

  • The Bharat Ratna is India’s highest civilian award, conferred by the President of India in recognition of exceptional service or performance of the highest order in any field of human endeavour.
  • Established in 1954, the Bharat Ratna is awarded to individuals regardless of occupation, race, or religion. Recipients of this prestigious award receive a certificate signed by the President and a peepal leaf-shaped medallion.

  

Contributions:

 

 

 

MS Swaminathan

PV Narasimha Rao

Chaudhary Charan Singh

Known as the ‘Father of the Green Revolution.’ Almost quit politics before becoming Prime Minister in 1991. Prominent political figure in Uttar Pradesh.
Played a significant role in revolutionizing farming in the 1960s and 1970s. Emerged as Congress President after the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi. Advocated for peasant rights and rural issues.
Inspired by the Bengal famine and Mahatma Gandhi’s Quit India Movement. Preferred choice due to experience and support from key figures. Instrumental in implementing legislation for zamindari abolition and land ceiling.
Dedicated career to agricultural research, serving in various institutions globally. Elected Congress President in May 1991. Became UP’s first non-Congress Chief Minister in 1967.
Developed high-yielding varieties of rice and wheat essential for India’s staple foods. Became Prime Minister in June 1991 after the party’s electoral success. Entered national politics, serving as Deputy Prime Minister under Morarji Desai.
Collaborated with Nobel laureate Norman Borlaug in developing semi-dwarf wheat varieties. His candidacy was supported by key figures like President R Venkataraman. Short-lived tenure as Prime Minister in 1979, lasting only 23 days.
RECOGNIZED GLOBALLY, INCLUDING BEING THE FIRST WORLD FOOD PRIZE LAUREATE IN 1987. Hailed as a champion of the peasantry and is credited with creating a new political class encompassing farming communities.
Recommended fair minimum support prices for crops, ensuring farmers’ welfare. HIS POLITICAL INFLUENCE AND LEGACY CONTINUE THROUGH HIS FAMILY, PARTICULARLY HIS SON AJIT SINGH AND GRANDSON JAYANT CHAUDHARY.