Bharat Ratna: India's Pinnacle of Excellence

Recently it was announced that Karpoori Thakur, a prominent Gandhian socialist leader and former Bihar chief minister will be awarded the ‘Bharat Ratna’ posthumously (after his death). He served as a Chief minister from December 1970 to June 1971 and from December 1977 to April 1979. Karpoori Thakur died on February 17, 1988.

The Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in the country, has been granted to 49 individuals so far, with 17 posthumously. The Prime Minister makes recommendations directly to the President, and no formal recommendations are required. The annual awards are limited to a maximum of three per year.

Instituted on January 2, 1954, Bharat Ratna is given in recognition for exceptional service in various fields, the award aims to honour those who have made significant contributions to the nation's progress. Over the years, Bharat Ratna has been bestowed upon luminaries from diverse domains, including politics, science, arts, and sports. Recipients include iconic figures like Lata Mangeshkar, Jawaharlal Nehru, Mother Teresa, Sachin Tendulkar, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Pranab Mukherjee, Atal Bihari Vajpayee.