The President of India, Ms. Droupadi Murmu, presented Bharat Ratna to former Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao, Chaudhary Charan Singh along with two others posthumously in an Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (March 30, 2024). Vice President Mr. Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi and other dignitaries were present during the ceremony.
Let it be noted that this year, the government announced five Bharat Ratna awards, including one to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stalwart and former deputy prime minister L K Advani.
On behalf of late P. V. Narasimha Rao, the Bharat Ratna was received by his son Mr. P.V. Prabhakar Rao whereas former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh’s grandson, Mr. Jayant Chaudhary, received the honour on his behalf.
Besides them, agricultural scientist and former Rajya Sabha member, Mr. M S Swaminathan and former Chief Minister of Bihar, popularly known as ‘Jannayak’, Late Karpoori Thakur was also honoured with the country’s highest civilian award posthumously.
On behalf of late Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, his daughter Dr. Nitya Rao received the Bharat Ratna and Mr. Ramakant Thakur, son of late Karpoori Thakur, received the honour on his father’s behalf.