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M.G. Ramachandran
A famous Tamilian film actor Marudhur Gopalan Ramachandran, also known as M.G. Ramachandran, was born on 17th January 1917 in Nawalapitiya, Sri Lanka. He worked in Tamil films as a director, actor and producer. For the next three decades in 1940 he dominated the Tamil film industry through his acting skills.
Later, M.G. Ramachandran (M.G.R) started his political carrier and formed his own party the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). He was elected as a Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on 30 June 1977 (the 1st film actor in India to become a state Chief Minister). After becoming chief minister he emphasis on education and social development of a common man.
In Tamil Nadu, M.G. Ramachandran started a special bus service for women’s known as ‘Women’s Special buses’. He also imposed ban on liquor in the state, started schemes for preservation of historical monuments and old temples to increasing the income of state’s tourism. For his contribution to Indian society, M.G.R was awarded with the highest civilian award the Bharat Ratna in 1988 after his death. He died in 1987.
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.
