Bharat Ratna for Nanaji Deshmukh, Bhupen Hazarika, Pranab Mukherjee

Former President Pranab Mukherjee, Nanaji Deshmukh and Bhupen Hazarika will be conferred with the highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna. According to a statement issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan on the eve of the 70th Republic Day, renowned Assamese singer Bhupen Hazarika and acclaimed social activist Nanaji Deshmukh will be awarded the Bharat Ratna posthumously.

It is reported that Narendra Modi had personally called Pranab Mukherjee to convey the news. On Twitter, PM wrote “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.”