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Aruna Asaf Ali
Aruna Asaf Ali was born in an orthodox Hindu Bengali family on 16 July 1909 in Kalka, Haryana. She was one of the most prominent women leaders at the time of India’s freedom struggle. She had an extraordinary spark that ignited the struggle movement among citizen of India.
In 1942, during Quit India Movement, she was involved in an unforgettable event when she unfurled the national flag at the Gowalia Tank maidan; she became a legend for thousands of youth of Indians.
The great socialists Aruna Ali formed a socialist party of her own. Later in 1955 this group combined with Communist Party of India and then she became a Central committee member. She also served a position of Vice President of the All India Trade Union Congress.
She was honoured with the Lenin Prize for peace in 1975 and in 1991, the Jawaharlal Lal Nehru award for International understanding. She died on 29th July, 1996. She was awarded in 1998, India’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna. Later in 1998 she was also honoured with a stamp issued by the Indian Postal Service.
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.
