Former President of India Pranab Mukherjee has been awarded the prestigious Bharat Ratna. Pranab Mukherjee has served as the President of India from 2012-2017.
Along with the former president, latest Assamese poet and singer Bhupen Hazarika and late social activist Nanaji Deshmukh are also conferred with the Bharat Ratna.
“It is with a deep sense of humility and gratitude to the people of India that I accept this great honour #BharatRatna bestowed upon me. I have always said and I repeat, that I have got more from the people of our great country than I have given to them.” Pranab Mukherjee tweeted.
It is with a deep sense of humility and gratitude to the people of India that I accept this great honour #BharatRatna bestowed upon me. I have always said and I repeat, that I have got more from the people of our great country than I have given to them.#CitizenMukherjee
— Pranab Mukherjee (@CitiznMukherjee) January 25, 2019
Prime minister Narendra Modi also acknowledged the contribution of these three individuals in Indian society.
“He has served the nation selflessly and tirelessly for decades, leaving a strong imprint on the nation’s growth trajectory, ” The prime minister tweeted saying that ‘Pranab Da is an outstanding statesman.’
Pranab Da is an outstanding statesman of our times.
He has served the nation selflessly and tirelessly for decades, leaving a strong imprint on the nation’s growth trajectory.
His wisdom and intellect have few parallels. Delighted that he has been conferred the Bharat Ratna.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 25, 2019
Praising late Bhupen Hazarika, the PM said that he was admired by people across generations.
The songs and music of Shri Bhupen Hazarika are admired by people across generations. From them radiates the message of justice, harmony and brotherhood.
He popularised India’s musical traditions globally.
Happy that the Bharat Ratna has been conferred on Bhupen Da.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 25, 2019
“He personifies humility, compassion and service to the downtrodden” PM Modi said acknowledging Nanaji Deshmukh’s contribution towards rural development.
Nanaji Deshmukh’s stellar contribution towards rural development showed the way for a new paradigm of empowering those living in our villages.
He personifies humility, compassion and service to the downtrodden. He is a Bharat Ratna in the truest sense!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 25, 2019
Instituted in 1954, the Barat Ratna is awarded for exceptional service.