Bhimsen Joshi was born on 4 February 1922, in Karnataka. He was a great lover of music at a very tender age and in search of Guru he left his home at the age of 11 years. He is the successor of Kirana stream a form of Hindustani classical music. He is famous for the ‘Khayal’ music. He is one of the legendary Hindustani vocalists. We can simply call him a living legend and someone who has really earned true fans all over the world. He perfected in Khayal interpretations and also sung many Bhajans (in Hindi & Marathi.)
His one of the most memorable performances that is still remembered by everyone was the national integration song ‘Mile Sur Mera Tumhara’, in his golden voice which appeals to the people of India to come together.
He has also been awarded with the Padma Shree in 1972, the Padma Bhushan in 1985 and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1976. He was conferred the Bharat Ratna award in 2009 for his contribution to enriching the Hindustani Classical Music.
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.
