Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, holds special significance as it recognizes exceptional contributions to the nation. Besides the honor itself, recipients enjoy several privileges that enhance their lives. Let’s explore the seven notable benefits of being conferred with the prestigious Bharat Ratna.
1. Tax Exemption for Life:
One of the perks of receiving Bharat Ratna is a lifelong exemption from income tax on the prize money, offering financial relief to the awardees.
2. Complimentary Travel:
Recipients are entitled to lifetime complimentary travel in Air India’s first class and Indian Railways’ first-class compartments, ensuring comfort and convenience.
3. Parliamentary Participation:
Bharat Ratna awardees have the unique opportunity to participate in Parliament, where they hold a status equivalent to a fourth cabinet minister, allowing them to contribute to important discussions.
4. Z Grade Security:
If required, the government can provide Z Grade security at its expense, ensuring the safety and well-being of the awardees.
5. State Guest Status:
When traveling to another state, Bharat Ratna recipients are treated as state guests, enjoying VVIP status and receiving all necessary facilities during their visit.
6. International Facilities:
While traveling abroad, awardees are extended all possible facilities by Indian Embassies, reflecting the nation’s recognition and respect on the global stage.
7. Invitations to State and National Events:
Bharat Ratna recipients are invited to attend all state functions and national events, providing them with opportunities to engage with the nation’s leaders and contribute to significant occasions.
How many personalities have received the honor so far?
So far, 50 people from various fields have received the Bharat Ratna. Not only Indians but also non-Indians have been honored with this award. Most recipients have been politicians, and Lal Bahadur Shastri was the first to receive it posthumously.
However, people from other fields, like scientist Chandrashekhar Venkataraman, social worker Mother Teresa, economist Amartya Sen, singer Lata Mangeshkar, Ustad Bismillah Khan, cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, and musician Bhupen Hazarika, have also been honored.
Awarding Process:
The process of giving Bharat Ratna is not complicated. The Prime Minister, Cabinet members, Governor, and Chief Minister can suggest names to the Prime Minister. These suggestions are discussed and then sent to the President for approval.
Only three people can receive Bharat Ratna in a year, but it’s not mandatory to give it every year. The award can be given both during a person’s life and posthumously.
What Awardees Receive:
People who receive Bharat Ratna get a special medal and an official certificate. The medal looks like a Peepal leaf made of pure copper, with a platinum sun carved on it. The word “Bharat Ratna” is written in Hindi on the front, and the back has the Ashoka Pillar, a national symbol, with “Satyamev Jayate” written below. The certificate includes the honored person’s name, the year of the award, and the President’s signature.
