The Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, was established on January 2, 1954, by Dr Rajendra Prasad, India’s first President. The recipients of this award have made significant contributions to their respective fields. Every year, the Prime Minister nominates three people for this award. The winner of this honour is given a certificate called a Sanad that the President has signed. The Bharat Ratna medallion is in the shape of a peepal leaf. Initially, this award was limited to arts, literature, science, and public services. In 2011, the Government changed it to any field that belongs to human endeavour.

Who Is Eligible for the Bharat Ratna Award?

• Although Indian citizens are preferred, people of any nationality are eligible to receive this award.
• A person of any caste, gender, or sex can be awarded the Bharat Ratna.
• Individuals must be nominated by the Prime Minister. Only three nominees are awarded each year.

Bharat Ratna Award 2019 Winners List

• Pranab Mukherjee: Pranab Mukherjee received the Bharat Ratna Award in 2019. This award was presented to him by President Ram Nath Kovind. Mukherjee was awarded the prestigious medallion for his work and contribution to Indian politics and public service.
• Nanaji Deshmukh: He was a Rajya Sabha member as well as the leader of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh Party. He was also a social leader and was awarded the Bharat Ratna Award for his tremendous work in the education and health sectors.
• Bhupen Hazarika: Late Bhupen Hazarika was a singer and a composer from Assam who was awarded the highest civilian award for his contribution and work as a playback singer, lyricist, and poet.

Bharat Ratna Award 2020 Winners List 

There is no Bharat Ratna Award winners list for 2020 and 2021 as the Prime Minister did not select any candidates.

First Bharat Ratna Award Winner

The first Bharat Ratna awards were presented in 1954 to three people nominated by then PM Jawaharlal Nehru. The three Bharat Ratna awardees in 1954 were:

1. C. Rajagopalachari: He was awarded the Bharat Ratna for his work for world peace, where he opposed the use of nuclear weapons. He was also known as the “Mango of Salem”.
2. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan: The second President of India was awarded the Bharat Ratna Award because of his work and impact on the education structure, which created history. On his birthday, i.e. September 5, we celebrate Teachers’ Day every year.
3. C.V. Raman: He was a renowned physicist and received the Bharat Ratna for his commendable work. He was also awarded the Nobel Prize for his contribution to physics.

List of Bharat Ratna Award Winners Year-Wise

There are 48 Bharat Ratna awardees in total so far, of which 14 people were awarded posthumously, i.e., after their death. 

Bharat Ratna Award Facts

• The medals are produced at Alipore Mint, Kolkata.
• In 1997, the award was cancelled because of the ongoing controversy over Subhas Chandra bose’s death. This was the only time the Bharat Ratna was withdrawn after its announcement.
• In 1999, the award was presented to 4 people instead of 3.
• Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan and Nelson Mandela are the only non-Indians to be awarded the Bharat Ratna.
• Sachin Tendulkar became the youngest recipient of the Bharat Ratna in 2014. He is also the first sportsperson to get the award.

Conclusion  

The Bharat Ratna is an Indian award of significant national importance. It is given by the Indian GovernmentGovernment to three distinguished people each year. The Bharat Ratna celebrates the achievements of individuals from all walks of life. The awardee also gets Bharat Ratna tax benefits and various other privileges.