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Morarji Desai
Born on 29 February 1896, Shri Morarji Desai was one of the most prominent leaders of independent movement. He participated in various movements organized by Gandhi ji and got arrested several times. Also, he held several governmental portfolios such as: CM of the then Bombay State, Home Minister, Finance Minister, Deputy PM and finally the Prime Minister of India.
Morarji was known for his administrative skills and toughness. In 1969 he parted ways with Indian National Congress and during Emergency emerged as one of the most critical voices against Indira Gandhi’s regime. In the elections of 1977 when first non-congress government was formed at the centre, Morarji was elected to become the Prime Minister of India.
During his short period in PM office he reversed many of the negative Constitutional provisions added by the earlier regime of Indira Gandhi. Also, he tried to make peace and establish good relation with Pakistan and China.
He had to resign in 1979 due to internal factionalism in his party. He was awarded with the Bharat Ratna in the year 1991.
Morarji Desai died on 10 April 1995 at the age of 99.
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.
