India honours MS Swaminathan, Narasimha Rao and Charan Singh with Bharat Ratna

NEW DELHI: India pays tribute to renowned agricultural scientist Dr. MS Swaminathan, posthumously awarding him the prestigious Bharat Ratna. Dr Swaminathan known for his pivotal role in India's Green Revolution becomes the first Malayali to receive this honor.

Former Prime Ministers PV Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charansingh are also posthumously conferred the Bharat Ratna for their significant contributions to India's economic development and advocacy for farmer welfare.

Senior BJP leader L.K. Advani and former Bihar Chief Minister Karpuri Thakur were previously announced as Bharat Ratna recipients.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expresses joy in honoring Dr MS Swaminathan, highlighting his instrumental role in achieving agricultural self-sufficiency and combating hunger in India.

Modi acknowledges Narasimha Rao's transformative leadership in economic liberalization while lauding Charan Singh's lifelong dedication to farmer rights and his staunch opposition during the Emergency era.

Dr MS Swaminathan, who passed away in September, is remembered for developing high-yield crops like wheat, rice, and potatoes, addressing food shortages in India. Born in Tamil Nadu, he hailed from Kuttanad Mankombu in Alappuzha district.

The nation celebrates Dr. Swaminathan's remarkable contributions, having previously honoured him with the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan awards.