Introduction – Bharat Ratna
The Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award of India, instituted in 1954. It is conferred for exceptional service in any field of human endeavour, including arts, literature, science, and public service. Over the years, it has become the symbol of ultimate recognition in the country, reserved for those who have left a lasting impact on the nation.
In this blog, we will explore the benefits of Bharat Ratna, how it compares with Padma Awards, and provide a list of recipients in the past 15 years.
Benefits of Bharat Ratna
National Recognition & Prestige
- It is the highest form of civilian honour in India.
- Recipients are forever remembered in India’s history.
Protocol Rank
- Bharat Ratna awardees are ranked 7th in the Indian order of precedence, equal to Union Cabinet Ministers.
State Guest Status
- They are treated as State Guests across India, with VIP protocol, official receptions, and security arrangements.
Special Invitations
- Awardees are invited to national ceremonies like Republic Day, Independence Day, and State Banquets.
Legacy & Respect
- Their names often live on through institutions, roads, and memorials.
- Generations remember them as role models of excellence.
Medal & Certificate
- Recipients receive a peepal leaf–shaped medal and a certificate (Sanad) signed by the President of India.
Influence & Opportunities
- Bharat Ratna brings a lifetime identity of prestige, often leading to opportunities in public life, mentoring, and international recognition.
Bharat Ratna vs Padma Awards: Key Differences
| Feature | Bharat Ratna | Padma Awards (Vibhushan, Bhushan, Shri) |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Highest civilian award | Next highest civilian awards |
| Introduced | 1954 | 1954 |
| Categories | Only one | 3 categories (Vibhushan, Bhushan, Shri) |
| Recipients per Year | Maximum 3 (though exceptions like 2024 exist) | Larger number annually |
| Order of Precedence | Rank 7, equal to Union Cabinet Ministers | No fixed precedence rank |
| Privileges | State Guest status, national protocol | No such privileges |
| Monetary Benefit | None | None |
| Prestige | Supreme, rare honour | Prestigious but below Bharat Ratna |
👉 Read more about Padma Awards on the official portal.
Bharat Ratna Recipients in the Past 15 Years (2010–2024)
IN YEAR 2024 – AWARDED
- Karpoori Thakur (posthumous)
- L. K. Advani
- P. V. Narasimha Rao (posthumous)
- Chaudhary Charan Singh (posthumous)
- M. S. Swaminathan (posthumous)
These awards in 2024 mark the highest number of Bharat Ratnas awarded in a single year, as confirmed by multiple sources like TOI
IN YEAR 2019 – AWARDED
- Pranab Mukherjee
- Nanaji Deshmukh (posthumous)
- Bhupen Hazarika (posthumous)
A trio of awards recognizing contributions in politics, social work, and the arts check more details of Blog
IN YEAR 2015 – AWARDED
- Atal Bihari Vajpayee
- Madan Mohan Malaviya (posthumous)
IN YEAR 2014 – AWARDED
- C. N. R. Rao
- Sachin Tendulkar
Conclusion-
The Bharat Ratna is not just an award, but a symbol of national pride and respect. It carries no monetary value, but it elevates recipients to a place of honour in India’s history, society, and governance. Compared to the Padma Awards, it stands at the very top, given only to the rarest of achievers.
In the past 15 years, personalities from science, politics, social service, and arts have received this supreme honour, reminding us of the diverse contributions that shape India.
For more updates on India’s awards and recognitions, visit our latest blog section.
