Pranab Mukherjee To be Conferred With Bharat Ratna Along With Nanaji Deshmukh and Dr Bhupen Hazarika

New Delhi, January 25: The Narendra Modi government on Friday conferred Bharat Ratna, country's highest civilian honour, on former president and Congress leader Pranab Mukherjee along with late Nanaji Deshmukh and late Dr Bhupen Hazarika. The announcement was made on the eve of the Republic day 2019.  Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Mukherjee for getting Bharat Ratna. Neta' App Launched by Pranab Mukherjee, Voters Can Download and Give Ratings & Reviews of Their Political Representatives.

The PM tweeted, “Pranab Da is an outstanding statesman of our times. He has served the nation selflessly and tirelessly for decades, leaving a strong imprint on the nation's growth trajectory. His wisdom and intellect have few parallels. Delighted that he has been conferred the Bharat Ratna.” PM Modi also appreciated Hazarika and Deshmukh’s contribution in their respective field.

Mukherjee was sworn-in as the President on July 25 2012. He remained in the office till July 2017. Mukherjee also served as Defence Minister for two years from 2004 and 2006. Mukherjee was appointed the External Affairs Minister of India in 1995. He first served as Finance Minister during the Indira Gandhi government in 1982. The former President again became the Finance Minister of India in 2009.

Deshmukh was a social activist known for his contribution in the field of education, health and rural self-reliance. He awarded Padma Vibhushan in 1999. The social activist was also a member of Jana Sangh and also a member of Rajya Sabha.  Hazarika was an Indian playback singer, lyricist, musician, poet and filmmaker. He was also a recipient of Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awards.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 25, 2019 08:51 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).