New Delhi, Feb 9 (Agencies): Former prime ministers PV Narasimha Rao and Charan Singh, and agronomist Dr MS Swaminathan will be conferred with the Bharat Ratna, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Friday.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, Modi said, “Delighted to share that our former Prime Minister, Shri PV Narasimha Rao Garu, will be honoured with the Bharat Ratna.”
Charan Singh took over the prime minister’s office in 1970 but stepped down after 170 days. He was a champion of the workers’ union and farmers’ rights. Rao was the prime minister from 1991 to 1996. It was during his time that India witnessed economic liberalisation.
“Narasimha Rao Garu’s tenure as Prime Minister was marked by significant measures that opened India to global markets, fostering a new era of economic development. Furthermore, his contributions to India’s foreign policy, language and education sectors underscore his multifaceted legacy as a leader who not only steered India through critical transformations but also enriched its cultural and intellectual heritage,” Modi wrote in his post.
Swaminathan, who died in September last year, was considered the father of the Green Revolution. His research in agriculture paved the way for attaining food security in India.
“It is a matter of immense joy that the Government of India is conferring the Bharat Ratna on Dr. MS Swaminathan Ji, in recognition of his monumental contributions to our nation in agriculture and farmers’ welfare. He played a pivotal role in helping India achieve self-reliance in agriculture during challenging times and made outstanding efforts towards modernizing Indian agriculture. We also recognise his invaluable work as an innovator and mentor and encouraging learning and research among several students. Dr. Swaminathan’s visionary leadership has not only transformed Indian agriculture but also ensured the nation’s food security and prosperity. He was someone I knew closely and l always valued his insights and inputs,” Modi posted on social media.
