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Khān Abdul Ghaffār Khān
Khan Abdul Ghaffār Khan (nicknamed as Bacha Khan) was born on 6 February 1890. Bacha Khan was a spiritual leader and a Pashtun political leader. He was well known as a devout Muslim and a lover of non-violent movement. He was a great believer in the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi; he participated with him in India’s Independence movements like Salt Satyagrah and Red Shirts’ Movement.
In 1929, against British Empire, Khan Abdul Ghaffār Khan started the movement ‘Khudai Khidmatgar’ (“Servants of God”). When demand was made for the partition of India, Bacha Khan strongly opposed the same. In 1920s, he started “Red Shirts” movement to achieve a goal of independent, secular and united India.
For his great contribution and devotion to the country, Khan Abdul Ghaffār Khan was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1987. He died on 20th Jan 1988.
Bharat Ratna Award
The highest civilian award of the Republic of India is known as BHARAT RATNA. It came into existence on 2nd January 1954. The award was in recognition of extraordinary performance in the field of literature, science, public services, and arts only. This award belongs to all people of India without any discrimination of sex, race, and age. Previously award belonged to only limited criteria but in December 2011 the criteria were changed to include all fields of human endeavour.
Maximum 3 nominees may be awarded per year and recommendations for the same are specially made by the PM to the President. A Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion in the shape of a peepal leaf are the only two things being given to the recipients; no money is granted with the award.
In the Indian order of precedence, the Bharat Ratna award comes in the seventh position. But Bharat Ratna recipients are constitutionally prohibited to use the award name as the title as per Article 18 of the Constitution of India.
Since 1954, 44 distinguished individuals have been awarded this prestigious and highest civilian award in the country.
Get the list of Bharat Ratna Awardees by clicking here.
