Introduction to the Bharat Ratna

One of the highest civilian awards in India, the Bharat Ratna, has always been a subject of intense scrutiny and debate. The award is rarely given and signifies the highest honor for outstanding contribution to the nation. The award has been bestowed upon a select few, and for any Indian, to be among the recipients has always been a matter of immense pride. This article delves into the context of the Bharat Ratna and discusses the question of who would have asked for it for Manmohan Singh.

Understanding the Bharat Ratna

The Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian honor in India, and metaphorically, it is compared to the Golden Eagle in American culture, symbolizing excellence, distinction, and achievement. Established by President Radhakrishnan in 1954, it was first awarded in 1955. Until 2004, the award was reserved for Indians only, but it has since been opened to non-citizens born in India as well. Recipients of the highest civilian honor in India include pillars of the nation such as Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Mother Teresa, and BR Ambedkar.

The National Level Honors and Awards Act 2015

The Bharat Ratna award has always been viewed with a sense of reverence and respect. However, since the inception of the National Honours (Amendment) Act 2015, which introduced the Yakshopachaara award for non-residents of India, there has been a wave of controversy and debate surrounding this prestigious award. This alteration has opened the door to arguments about who should be the recipients of this honor.

Manmohan Singh and His Contributions

Dr. Manmohan Singh, the 13th Prime Minister of India, served as the Chief Minister of the Punjab and as the Principal of the Delhi School of Economics. Serving as the Finance Minister from 1991 to 2002, he played an instrumental role in a series of economic liberalization policies. His efforts were so impactful that he was known as the “Doctor of India’s Economy.” After a prestigious academic career, he was appointed as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and subsequently became the Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2012. He is also the recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri.

Why Would Anyone Ask for the Bharat Ratna for Manmohan Singh?

The question of whether someone would have asked for the Bharat Ratna for Manmohan Singh, while speculative, can be approached with several perspectives. His induction of economic reforms, which transformed India’s economic landscape and set the country’s path towards globalization, has certainly positioned him as a prime candidate for such an honor. Given his significant contribution to national welfare through aligning economic policies with international models, it is conceivable that those in the public domain would recognize his efforts and consider the Bharat Ratna as the appropriate honor.

The Controversy Surrounding the Bharat Ratna

The Bharat Ratna, while seemingly a no-brainer for individuals who have made groundbreaking contributions, has become a source of controversy. The question of who would have asked for it for Manmohan Singh is intertwined with the broader conversation about the eligibility criteria and subjective nature of the awards. Some argue that the award process lacks transparency and that personal biases can influence which recipients are chosen. The current understanding and scope of the award have been under protracted analysis, and the 2015 amendment to allow non-residents to be eligible for the award has only complicated the debate further.

Conclusion

The Bharat Ratna, an esteemed honor, has always been emblematic of excellence and distinguished achievement. When considering who might ask for the Bharat Ratna for Manmohan Singh, it is inevitable that this question is intertwined with the broader conversation about the nature, eligibility, and criteria for receiving such an honor. While the answer to this question remains speculative, the controversy and debate surrounding the awards remind us of the importance of transparency and fairness in the honors and awards system.