Bharat Ratna Award Winners List
In 1954, the Bharat Ratna—the highest civilian award in India—was conferred upon Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan for his contributions to philosophy and education. That year also saw C. Rajagopalachari honored for public affairs and Dr. C.V. Raman, a Nobel Laureate, recognized for his groundbreaking work in physics.
In 1955, the award went to Dr. Bhagwan Das for his contributions to literature and education, Dr. M. Visvesvaraya for his achievements in engineering and public service, and Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, for his role in public affairs.
Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy received the award in 1961 for his work in medicine. In 1963, Dr. Zakir Hussain was recognized for his contributions to education and public affairs.
Indira Gandhi, India’s first woman Prime Minister, received the Bharat Ratna in 1971 for her leadership in public affairs. In 1983, Acharya Vinoba Bhave was honored for his role in social work, particularly through the Bhoodan Movement.
In 1990, the award was presented to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, for his work in law and social reforms. That same year, Nelson Mandela, the anti-apartheid icon and global statesman, was also awarded for his contributions to public affairs.
J.R.D. Tata, an industrial pioneer, and Satyajit Ray, a legendary filmmaker, were honored in 1992 for their contributions to industry and the arts, respectively.
Gulzarilal Nanda, a noted public figure, was recognized in 1997 for his work in public affairs. In 1999, Amartya Sen, a Nobel Laureate in economics, received the honor alongside Gopinath Bordoloi, a prominent freedom fighter, and Lata Mangeshkar, the legendary singer known for her immense contribution to the arts.
In 2014, the award was conferred upon Sachin Tendulkar for his achievements in cricket—making him the youngest recipient of the Bharat Ratna—and Prof. C.N.R. Rao for his work in science and engineering.
The 2019 recipients included Pranab Mukherjee, former President of India, recognized for his contributions to public affairs, Bhupen Hazarika for his legacy in the arts as a singer, composer, and lyricist, and Nanaji Deshmukh for his work in social service.