Pranab Mukherjee, Bhupen Hazarika, Nanaji Deshmukh Conferred With Bharat Ratna

Former president Pranab Mukherjee has been awarded the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian honour in the country.?

Along with him, Assamese singer and singer Bhupen Hazarika and Bharatiya Jana Sangh leader and social activist Nanaji Deshmukh were awarded the Bharat Ratna posthumously.??

BCCL/ FILE

Congratulating this year's awardees, Prime Minister Narendra Modi? described former President Mukherjee 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,” Modi said on Twitter. “His wisdom and intellect have few parallels. Delighted that he has been conferred the Bharat Ratna.”

Hailing the songs of Hazarika, who passed away in 2011, the PM said his song radiates the message of justice, harmony and brotherhood.?

Recalling Deshmukh’s contribution towards rural development, the PM described him as a personification of humility and compassion.?