Bharat Ratna Award
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Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian honour, given for exceptional service towards advancement of Art, Literature and Science, and in recognition of Public Service of the highest order. There is no written provision that Bharat Ratna should be awarded to Indian citizens only. The award has been awarded to a naturalized Indian citizen, Mother Teresa (1980) and to two non-Indians – Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan and Nelson Mandela (1990). It is also not mandatory that Bharat Ratna be awarded every year.

The original specifications for the award called for a circular gold medal, 35 mm in diameter, with the sun and the Hindi legend "Bharat Ratna" above and a floral wreath below. The reverse was to carry the state emblem and motto. It was to be worn around the neck from a white ribbon. This design was altered after a year.

The provision of Bharat Ratna was introduced in 1954. The first ever Indian to receive this award was the famous scientist, C.V.Raman. Since then, many dignitaries, each a whiz in varied aspects of their career has received this coveted award.

For former President, Shri A. P. J Abdul Kalam is also a recipient of this esteemed honour (1997).  Lata Mangeshkar ( 2001) is also a recipient of this award .The last time this award was given was in 2008, to Pandit Bhimsen Gururaj Joshi who expired in 2011

List of Bharat Ratna Awardees

See the full List of Bharat Ratna Awardees

( Courtesy: Govt. of India )