New Delhi: Former president Pranab Mukherjee, singer Bhupen Hazarika and social activist Nanaji Deshmukh have been awarded Bharat Ratna.
Nanaji Deshmukh and Bhupen Hazarika have been conferred with the Bharat Ratna posthumously.
Hailing this year’s recipients of the country’s highest civilian honour, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described their contribution to the nation.
Calling social activist Deshmukh a personification of humility and compassion, the PM remembered his “stellar contribution towards rural development showed the way for a new paradigm of empowering those living in our villages.”
“The songs and music of Shri Bhupen Hazarika are admired by people across generations. From them radiates the message of justice, harmony and brotherhood,” tweeted PM Modi about the music maestro who “popularised India’s musical tradition globally.”
Expressing delight on the former President being conferred the Bharat Ratna, the Prime Minister described Mukherjee as “an outstanding statesman.”
“He has served the nation selflessly and tirelessly for decades, leaving a strong imprint on the nation’s growth trajectory,” tweeted the Prime Minister.