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Bidhan Chandra Roy
A Great Physician-Surgeon Bidhan Chandra Roy was born on 1 July, 1882 in Bihar. He was a meritorious student. He pursued medical career and because of his exceptional talents cleared two of the most prestigious medical degrees, M.R.C.P. & F.R.C.S. in record time.
He dedicated his whole life for work in the area of medicine, science, philosophy, literature and arts. He was also involved in India’s freedom movement alongside Gandhi ji. Later on in 1948, he was elected as the Chief Minister of West Bengal and served the State for next 14 years. As a CM, he founded five important cities in the Sate: Durgapur, Kalyani, Bidhannagar, Ashoknagar, and Habra. For his contribution in the development of West Bengal he is being remembered as the architect of modern West Bengal.
For his extraordinary contributions in field of medicine and development of West Bengal, Dr. Roy was conferred the Bharat Ratna award on 4th Feb 1961. Every year, on 1st July (Dr. Roy’s birth and death day), the country celebrates the National Doctor’s Day to remember Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy and his contributions for India.
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.
