Bharat Ratna (Jewel of India or Gem of India in English) is the Republic of India's highest civilian award given for performance of the highest order in any field of human endeavour. The award was instituted in 1954.The award is designed in the shape of a peepal leaf and has the words "Bharat Ratna" inscribed on it, in Devanagari script. The recipient receives a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President of India and a medallion. However, the honour does not carry a monetary grant.Originally, it did not make allowance for posthumous awards. This provision was added in January, 1966. The number of annual awards is restricted to a maximum of three in a particular year.The award was briefly suspended from July 13, 1977 to January 26, 1980. Chakravarti Rajagopalachari was the first one to receive this award in 1954.There is no formal provision that recipients of the Bharat Ratna should be Indian citizens. Bharat Ratna has been awarded to one naturalised Indian citizen, Mother Teresa (1980), and to two non-Indians, Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan (1987) and Nelson Mandela (1990).Sachin Tendulkar is the youngest person (at the age of 40) and the first sportsperson to be named for the award. Dhondo Keshav Karve is the eldest person alive to receive the award (age 100). Vallabhbhai Patel is the eldest to be posthumously given the award (at the age of 75). Among the women who have received Bharat Ratna include Indira Gandhi (1971), . Mother Teresa (1980), followed by M S Subbulakshmi (1998) and Lata Mangeshkar (2001).While the Bharat Ratna award is considered the highest civilian award in India, it doesn’t come with any monetary benefits. However, recipients do receive several prestigious honors and privileges:Tangible BenefitsSanad (certificate): A certificate signed by the President of India, recognizing their exceptional service.Medallion: A bronze medallion in the shape of a peepal leaf, symbolizing growth and prosperity.Intangible BenefitsSocial Recognition: Recipients are widely respected and held in high regard throughout India.Order of Precedence: They rank seventh in the Indian order of precedence, granting them protocol privileges at official events.Diplomatic Passport: They are eligible for a diplomatic passport, offering expedited travel and other diplomatic benefits.Government Dignitary Treatment: They receive special treatment when traveling within India, similar to government dignitaries.While the Bharat Ratna doesn’t offer financial rewards, the recognition and respect associated with the award are considered highly valuable by recipients and a significant honor for their contributions to India.
