Awards and National Recognition for Extraordinary Service
Awards such as the Bharat Ratna exemplify national recognition for remarkable contributions in various fields, celebrating individuals who have made significant impacts on society.
Definition and Purpose
- The Bharat Ratna is India's highest civilian award, established on 2nd January 1954.
- Its primary purpose is to recognise exceptional service or performance in any field of human endeavour.
International Awards
- International awards often parallel the Bharat Ratna in prestige, examples include the Nobel Prize, which recognises achievements in peace, literature, and sciences.
- Such awards highlight global contributions and serve as inspiration for national honours like the Bharat Ratna.
National Honours Systems
- Countries worldwide have their own national honours systems; for instance, the United Kingdom has the Order of the Garter.
- These systems aim to recognise distinguished citizens for extraordinary achievements and contributions to society.
Cultural and Creative Awards
- National awards often include categories for arts and culture, such as the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship in India for contributions to literature.
- The Bharat Ratna has been awarded to notable figures in arts, such as Dr. S. Radhakrishnan and Lata Mangeshkar, promoting cultural recognition.
Scientific and Academic Awards
- Awards for scientific achievement often coincide with national honours; for instance, the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology recognises outstanding contributions.
- The Bharat Ratna has been awarded to eminent scientists like C.V. Raman, thereby encouraging national pride in scientific excellence.
Historical Background of the Awards
- The Bharat Ratna was first awarded in 1954, with the first recipients being C. Rajagopalachari, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, and Jawaharlal Nehru.
- Over the years, the criteria and fields for recognition have evolved, incorporating contributions across various domains, including social service and public administration.
