Pranab Mukherjee, Nanaji Deshmukh, Bhupen Hazarika awarded ‘Bharat Ratna’

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : The President of India Ram Nath Kovind on January 25, 2019, awarded ‘Bharat Ratna’, country’s highest civilian award, to former President Pranab Mukherjee, social activist Nanaji Deshmukh (posthumously), and musician  Dr Bhupen Hazarika (posthumously).

The President has been pleased to award Bharat Ratna to the following:1.  Shri Nanaji Deshmukh (posthumously), 2.  Dr Bhupen Hazarika (posthumously), 3. Shri Pranab Mukherjee, said a PIB release.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Bharat Ratna Awardees. The PM praised Nanaji Deshmukh for his contribution to the society and said, “Nanaji Deshmukh’s stellar contribution towards rural development showed the way for a new paradigm of empowering those living in our villages. He personifies humility, compassion and service to the downtrodden. He is a Bharat Ratna in the truest sense.”

“The songs and music of Bhupen Hazarika are admired by people across generations. From them radiates the message of Justice, harmony and brotherhood. He popularized India’s music traditions globally. Happy that the Bharat Ratna has been conferred on Bhupen Da,” the Prime Minister said.

While speaking on Pranab Mukherjee, the PM said, “Pranab an outstanding statesman of our times. He has served the nation selflessly and tirelessly for decades, leaving a strong imprint on the nation’s growth trajectory. His wisdom and intellect have few parallels. Delighted that he has been conferred Bharat Ratna.”