New Delhi:
A day ahead of the 70th Republic Day of India, former President Pranab Mukherjee, social activist Nanaji Deshmukh and eminent musician-singer Bhupen Hazarika have been conferred with the country's highest civilian award Bharat Ratna. Both Deshmukh and Hazarika were given the highest honour posthumously. Mukherjee, who has been a senior leader of the Indian National Congress in his five-decade-long political career, served as the President of India between 2012 and 2017. Prior to this, he was Union Finance Minister from 2009 to 2012.
Meanwhile, social media has been flooded with a series of best wishes and greetings with political leaders and celebrities from across the country congratulating Mukherjee and remembering the significant contribution of Hazarika and Deshmukh to the Indian society.
Here is how Twitterati react:
Narendra Modi:
Soon after the announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter and congratulated Mukherjee describing him a "strong imprint on the nation's growth trajectory". He also recalled the significant contributions of Deshmukh and Hazarika to the Indian society.
Pranab Da is an outstanding statesman of our times.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 25, 2019
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.
The songs and music of Shri Bhupen Hazarika are admired by people across generations. From them radiates the message of justice, harmony and brotherhood.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 25, 2019
He popularised India's musical traditions globally.
Happy that the Bharat Ratna has been conferred on Bhupen Da.
Nanaji Deshmukh's stellar contribution towards rural development showed the way for a new paradigm of empowering those living in our villages.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 25, 2019
He personifies humility, compassion and service to the downtrodden. He is a Bharat Ratna in the truest sense!
Rahul Gandhi:
The Congress president also expressed his happiness, saying the party takes great pride in the fact that the immense contribution of Mukherjee to public service and nation building, has been recognised and honoured.
Congratulations to Pranab Da on being awarded the Bharat Ratna!
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 25, 2019
The Congress Party takes great pride in the fact that the immense contribution to public service & nation building of one of our own, has been recognised & honoured.
I’m happy that Shri Bhupen Hazarika and Nanaji Deshmukh have been honoured, posthumously, with the Bharat Ratna.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 25, 2019
Devendra Fadnavis:
Taking to Twitter the Maharashtra Chief Minister wrote, "Delighted that great son of India, our guiding light, a visionary leader from Maharashtra Nanaji Deshmukh is conferred upon with the highest honour Bharat Ratna by Honourable President of India. Nanaji worked hard in diverse fields like education, health, rural devpt! My Pranam to him!".
Another legendary Late Bhupen Hazarika ji gave India a global recognition in the field of music.
— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) January 25, 2019
Also, many congratulations to the Former President Pranab Mukherjee ji for #BharatRatna for his selfless contribution to the Nation !@CitiznMukherjee
Ravi Shankar Prasad:
"Greetings to PM Narendra Modi Ji for three outstanding choices for Bharat Ratna to some of the most deserving persons. Nanaji Deshmukh was a genius, a social reformer who quit politics at the prime of his career and dedicated his life for rural development," the Union Minister tweeted.
Greetings to PM @narendramodi Ji for three outstanding choices for #BharatRatna to some of the most deserving persons.
— Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) January 25, 2019
Nanaji Deshmukh was a genius, a social reformer who quit politics at the prime of his career & dedicated his life for rural development.
M Venkaiah Naidu:
The Vice President wrote, "Delighted to know that the prestigious Bharat Ratna has been conferred upon former President of India and statesman-par-excellence Shri Pranab Mukherjee, the great social activist, Late Shri Nanaji Deshmukh and the legendary singer Late Shri Bhupen Hazarika".
Delighted to know that the prestigious #BharatRatna has been conferred upon former President of India & statesman-par-excellence Shri. Pranab Mukherjee,the great social activist, Late Shri. Nanaji Deshmukh & the legendary singer Late Shri.Bhupen Hazarika. @CitiznMukherjee pic.twitter.com/A98vlS6ayl
— VicePresidentOfIndia (@VPSecretariat) January 25, 2019
Rajyavardhan Rathore:
The Union Minister congratulated former president Mukherjee while extending his best wishes to the families of Hazarika and Deshmukh.
The award of #BharatRatna to Nanaji Deshmukh is a recognition of his superlative contribution to poverty alleviation, agriculture & holistic rural development.
— Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) January 25, 2019
A staunch follower of integral humanism, his life & work will continue to inspire our nation for years to come.
Many congratulations to former President and distinguished statesman @CitiznMukherjee ji for being honored with #BharatRatna.
— Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) January 25, 2019
From a Rajya Sabha member in 1969 to the President of India till 2017, he has had a nearly five-decade long journey in the service of the nation.
The award of #BharatRatna to Nanaji Deshmukh is a recognition of his superlative contribution to poverty alleviation, agriculture & holistic rural development.
— Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) January 25, 2019
A staunch follower of integral humanism, his life & work will continue to inspire our nation for years to come.
Anupam Kher:
The veteran Bollywood actor also extended his best wishes saying, "Congratulations Honourable Pranab Mukherjee for the highest civilian award - Bharat Ratna. Your life is a great source of inspiration for millions of Indians all over the world. Jai Hind & Jai Ho.ðŸ™ðŸ™".
Congratulations Hon. @CitiznMukherjee for the highest civilian award - #BharatRatna. Your life is a great source of inspiration for millions of Indians all over the world. Jai Hind & Jai Ho.ðŸ™ðŸ™ https://t.co/wyiQeRI0eS
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) January 25, 2019
Anil Kapoor:
Sending my heartfelt congratulations to the families of Late Shri Nanaji Deshmukh ji and Late Shri Bhupen Hazarika ji on being conferred the #BharatRatna on the eve of #RepublicDay2019ðŸ™ðŸ»
— Anil Kapoor (@AnilKapoor) January 25, 2019
Many congratulations to the Hon. Pranab Mukherjee @CitiznMukherjee for the highest civilian award #BharatRatna. May you continue to inspire the nation for years to come. https://t.co/wA42IobCdV
— Anil Kapoor (@AnilKapoor) January 25, 2019
Naveen Patnaik:
Congratulate eminent statesman & leader @CitiznMukherjee ji on being conferred #BharatRatna. Posthumous conferment of the India’s highest civilian award to music maestro Dr Bhupen Hazarika & social activist Shri Nanaji Deshmukh is a befitting tribute to their rich legacies
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) January 25, 2019
Raman Singh:
Congratulations to the former President of India, Shri @CitiznMukherjee on being conferred with India's highest civilian honour.
— Dr Raman Singh (@drramansingh) January 25, 2019
In his 5 decade long journey, Pranab Da has worked tirelessly and has contributed immensely in nation building. A #BharatRatna in the truest sense!
Nirmala Sitharaman:
By giving up everything and dedicating his life for rural development, late #NanajiDeshmukh set exemplary standards for social service. A former RSS Pracharak is posthumously decorated with the #BharatRatna. pic.twitter.com/dqOic2chFH
— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) January 25, 2019
Suresh Prabhu:
Congratulations to the people of Assam and all the music lovers, as the honour of highest civilian award the #BharatRatna is being conferred to the musical mastero Shri Bhupen Hazarika Ji (posthumously). His music & singing has inspired generations of musicians.#BhupenHazarika
— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) January 25, 2019
Delighted to know that Shri #NanajiDeshmukh has been conferred upon the #BharatRatna posthumously. His stellar contribution in the field of rural development and upliftment of downtrodden inspires many. A tribute to great visionary & a social reformer.
— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) January 25, 2019
Congratulations to Former President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjeeji on being conferred the #BharatRatna. An outstanding statesman & stalwart leader who brought decorum to every office he held. This award acknowledges his immense contribution to Nation's polity.@CitiznMukherjee
— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) January 25, 2019
Dharmendra Pradhan:
Congratulations to former President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee ji on being conferred the #BharatRatna, country’s highest civilian award. An outstanding statesman, Pranab Da has left a strong and significant imprint in Indian economy & politics. @CitiznMukherjee pic.twitter.com/Oe0i5CByim
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) January 25, 2019
Respected Shri Nanaji Deshmukh was not just a leader of Bharatiya Jana Sangh, He connected to the very roots of the Indian society & devoted his entire life for social welfare. The prestigious #BharatRatna is a true reflection of his stellar contributions in empowering the poor. pic.twitter.com/CnDNuZxO3o
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) January 25, 2019
The music of Shri Bhupen Hazarika is melody for many people across generations. The #BharatRatna is a befitting recognition for this son of Mother India for his enormous contribution in popularising India's regional music globally. pic.twitter.com/97Tx6VzPUu
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) January 25, 2019
Amit Shah:
I congratulate Shri @CitiznMukherjee ji on being conferred the Bharat Ratna.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) January 25, 2019
He is a statesman whose long years in public life as a law maker and dedication towards serving the nation is an inspiration.
Few people have dominated India’s public discourse for as long as he has.
Bharat Ratna is a befitting tribute to Nanaji Deshmukh ji.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) January 25, 2019
Nanaji dedicated his entire life to serving the poorest among the poor. He was a firm believer in the philosophy of integral humanism, did remarkable work for Gramin Vikas & established the Deendayal Research Institute.
This recognition for Bhupen ji is a matter of great pride for the people of Assam & North East as much as it is for the whole of India, which continues to be mesmerised by the earthiness of his music. Grateful to Prime Minister Modi for recommending the Bharat Ratna for him.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) January 25, 2019
Bhupen Hazarika ji, popularly known as Sudhakantha has made significant contribution to Indian music and film industry. His music was full of empathy and his art held out a strong message for humanity and universal brotherhood.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) January 25, 2019
