Politics, RTI

How and why Indira Gandhi who was PM in 1971 got Bharat Ratna in 1971 ?

 

It all started with a curiosity. I was just going through the list of Bharat Ratna awardees where I saw three of the six Nehru-Gandhi family members are in it.  Nehru got it in 1955, Indira got it in 1971 and Rajiv got it in 1991. In Home ministry site there is a note which says Bharat Ratna is awarded in recognition of exceptional service/performance of the highest order in any field of human endeavour. The recommendations for Bharat Ratna are made by the Prime Minister himself to the President.  Then I checked who the Prime Ministers were in 1955, 1971 and 1991.  PMO website claims that Jawaharlal Nehru was the Prime Minister in 1955, Indira was in 1971. That naturally leads to these questions?

  1. Did Jawaharlal Nehru recommend himself for Bharat Ratna in 1955?
  2. Did Indira Gandhi recommend herself for Bharat Ratna in 1971?

Although the facts above make it obvious, I sent an RTI to PMO India. It took more than two months for PMO to reply this question. And the answers were these. One of my questions was whether it is the Prime Minister himself who make recommendations of Bharat Ratna. They replied it in affirmative. Then I asked them who got Bharat Ratna in 1955 and 1971.  They said Nehru and Indira got it respectively. I further asked who recommended Bharat Ratna for Nehru and Indira and what were their achievements? To this question, they said there are no records for this. Since replies to question 2 and 3 leads to the conclusion that Nehru and Indira recommended themselves for Bharat Ratna – I confirmed my doubts. I have sent another RTI yesterday (23rd November), this time to President Secretariat, where I have asked these questions.

  • What were the exceptional service/performance of the highest order by Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi for which they were awarded Bharat Ratna?
  • What was the exceptional service/performance of the highest order by Rajiv Gandhi for which he was awarded Bharat Ratna in 1991?
  • How many politicians are awarded Bharat Ratna of which how many belong to congress party ?
  • Which prime minister recommended name of Indira Gandhi in 1971 for Bharat Ratna
  • Which prime minister recommended name of Jawaharlal Nehru in 1955 for Bharat Ratna
  • What are the procedure/criteria for recognizing exceptional service/performance of Bharat Ratna   Awardees?

Jawaharlal Nehru was associated with freedom struggle. Political differences apart, there is no absurdity in awarding him a Bharat Ratna. But what had Indira Gandhi done till 1971 to be awarded with highest civilian award? PMO in their RTI reply claimed that they have no information available on record about the achievements of Nehru and Indira. I just looked at Biography to find out what were the public services by Indira Gandhi till 1971. Wikipedia says –

  1. Indira was born in 1917.
  2. In the 1950s, Indira, now Mrs. Indira Gandhi after her marriage, served her father Jawaharlal Nehru (then Prime Minister) unofficially as a personal assistant.
  3. After her father’s death in 1964 she was appointed as a member of the Rajya Sabha (upper house) and became a member of Lal Bahadur Shastri’s cabinet as Minister of Information and Broadcasting.
  4. Indira became Prime Minister in 1966; the Congress was split in two factions.
  5. Nationalization of Banks
  6. India Pakistan war in December 1971 (not sure whether recommendations are made before or after 1971 December)

In her public life till 1971, I could not find any single notable achievement by Indira Gandhi. If serving as Prime Minister for a five year term qualifies for the Bharat Ratna award? Then why was not this precedent followed for all the Prime Ministers of India? I am waiting for the reply from President Secretariat which I hope will clear all these ambiguities. Till then we can draw our own conclusions.

PS :

1. This DNA article says Indira Gandhi awarded herself Bharat Ratna in 1971

2. Outlook Article which says Indira Gandhi gave herself the Bharat Ratna.

3. TOI Article claims V V Giri bypassed all norms to recommend Indira Gandhi for the Bharat Ratna after the Bangladesh war

4. Ivarta Blog also says Nehru and Indira awarded Bharat Ratna themselves

I am reproducing a critical comment here and my reply to it.

“Excerpts from aforementioned Speech of Dr. rajendra Prasad on July 15th , 1955 after return of Pandit Nehru from the grand Europe trip – “In doing so, for once, I may be said to be acting unconstitutionally, as I am taking this step on my own initiative and without any recommendation or advice from my Prime Minister; but I know that my action will be endorsed most enthusiastically…”

About the contention the author of the blog makes in assuming 5 yr span or 1971 as ridiculously small contributions – he/she has made sure that his/her limits are not just mediocre & indoctrinated sense of curiosity . 1971 carved out a country , gave an insight into what is a just system of treating PoWs , strengthened our positioning against the US bullying – & surprisingly it was also one of the very few moments when the varied confusions around legitimacy , sovereignty ,Human Rights /Religious identities didn’t stop Indira from having the clarity that was needed. AB Vajp. hailed her as Durga after this .

And as in Nehru’ (Indira’)s Case , here too , another gentleman named V V Giri did the lobbying.”

I thank Abhishek Verma (the one who made the above quoted comment) for educating me on this aspect. Presidents of India during 1955 and 1971, i.e. Dr Rajendra Prasad and Sri VV Giri, acting unconstitutionally awarded  the then Prime Ministers Nehru and Indira , the Bharat Ratna.  What needs to be also noted, very curiously , is that the same Prime ministers, Nehru and Indira recommended the same Presidents (who awarded them Bharat Ratna) for Bharat Ratna in 1962 and 1975 respectively.

 

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206 thoughts on “How and why Indira Gandhi who was PM in 1971 got Bharat Ratna in 1971 ?”

      • Anonymous says:

        You did an excellent job… well done..

        we need to know this…. what they have done and what they r doing for country…

        we need to unite and select right one for PM of INDIA…

        I am proud of you………….

        regards,
        ajeet

    • Naren says:

      Bade Khushnaseeb The JAWAHARLAL NEHRU Aur INDIRA GANDHI Jinhe Jeete Jee BHARAT RATNA Award Se Nawaza Gaya,
      Warna SARDAR VALLABHBHAI PATEL Aur B.R. AMBEDKAR Ko Toh Ye Marnoprant Naseeb Hua Aur Woh Bhi Unke Duniya Se Jaane Ke 35-40 Saal Baad…!!!

      JAWAHARLAL NEHRU (1889-1964) Awarded BHARAT RATNA In 1955 When He Was PM…

      INDIRA GANDHI (1917-1984) Awarded BHARAT RATNA In 1971 When She Was PM…

      B.R. AMBEDKAR
      (1891-1956) Awarded BHARAT RATNA In 1990…

      SARDAR VALLABHBHAI PATEL (1875-1950) Awarded BHARAT RATNA In 1991…

      I’m Afraid Coz Jaldi Hi MANMOHAN SINGH (Honorable PM) Ko Bhi BHARAT RATNA Milne Wala Hai Kyuki Unhone DESH Se Jyada CONGRESS Ki Sewa Ki Hai… 🙂

      Reply
      • LAXMAN MUNDASHI says:

        Narenji, abhi Manmohanji kaa number door hai. pehle no. per hai Sonia maino, doosre no. raul vincie, theesra Robert vadra…………..haa, manmohanji ko Pakistan-e-nishan mil sakta hai

      • Anonymous says:

        abhi swar-kokila lata mangeshkar jo vastvik roop me bharat ratn hen, ne icha jatai ki narendra modi PM bane to ek cogressi ne unse bharat ratn wapas karne ki mang kar di.- jai nehru gandhi parivar ki.

    • I am sure the author was not curious enough. And given what I know of India , I can understand why this blog is doing rounds. So I will escape what turns in history made this possible but Dr. Rajendra Prasad in his speech made it aptly clear who recommended whom. I shall assume about myself & others that no such effort shall be made to counter the lie. Excerpts from aforementioned Speech of Dr. rajendra Prasad on July 15th , 1955 after return of Pandit Nehru from the grand Europe trip – “In doing so, for once, I may be said to be acting unconstitutionally, as I am taking this step on my own initiative and without any recommendation or advice from my Prime Minister; but I know that my action will be endorsed most enthusiastically…”

      About the contention the author of the blog makes in assuming 5 yr span or 1971 as ridiculously small contributions – he/she has made sure that his/her limits are not just mediocre & indoctrinated sense of curiosity . 1971 carved out a country , gave an insight into what is a just system of treating PoWs , strengthened our positioning against the US bullying – & surprisingly it was also one of the very few moments when the varied confusions around legitimacy , sovereignty ,Human Rights /Religious identities didn’t stop Indira from having the clarity that was needed. AB Vajp. hailed her as Durga after this .

      And as in Nehru’s Case , here too , another gentleman named V V Giri did the lobbying.(http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-toi/special-report/The-great-Bharat-Ratna-race/articleshow/2714556.cms?intenttarget=no)

      But I am sure , you still would talk baseless . And so will others.

      Reply
      • Anonymous says:

        I don’t know why “Abhishek Vatsa” repeating the same paragraph in every post. Even after the reply by Ashok in this post. Dear Abhishek Vatsa at least stop spreading lies now.. the good thing is Ashok is coming with some proofs. If you have any just bring it for a debate.

      • nishant shukla says:

        Thnx vatsa,

        For keeping respect to such a glorious Award because Sachin is awarded with this and I don’t want to let the glory of SACHIN let down by getting any award.

        And from now the glory of bharat ratna is due to sachin not vise versa.

        some time I feel bad for Dhyanchand but it is ok because Sachin is endorsed by Billion dollar company where Dhyanchandji was endorsed by millions of Indians.

        Thanx Sachin.

    • SRK (original) says:

      Gr8 finding…Now we know who all would get the Bharat Ratna…Sonia, Sharad Pawar, Rahul, Vadra & Priyanka (jointly), and entire coterie of spineless Congress Ministers in the Sonia’s nursery school

      Reply
  2. Nikunj Yadav says:

    I liked your article, you seem very neutral and logical. I agree that Nehru is justified as one of the people who got the award however Indira Gandhi winning the award is weird according to me as well.

    Reply
  4. ram mohan says:

    very interesting info indeed. it is such information coming out of the effort of people like you educate some of us to know what sort of politics that we have and we are in.

    Personally, I do have great respect for Indira Gandhi as a stateswoman and she ruled the country at a trying time. Though people could blame her for split, since it is history now, and no purpose serves by getting into that, let us not bother about it.

    But I must express many thanks for this post and I am sure, you will not mind our circulating it in different groups so that people know more on this and how this system works (?!!).
    cheers

    Reply
      • Anonymous says:

        Great job……………..Par Media is baat ko kyon nahi Raise nahi karti…………Unhe rape/gangrape, baba ramdeo ya Asaram se fursat nahi mil rahi ya unhe is baat ki jankari nahi hai………..

    • I am sure the author was not curious enough. And given what I know of India , I can understand why this blog is doing rounds. So I will escape what turns in history made this possible but Dr. Rajendra Prasad in his speech made it aptly clear who recommended whom. I shall assume about myself & others that no such effort shall be made to counter the lie. Excerpts from aforementioned Speech of Dr. rajendra Prasad on July 15th , 1955 after return of Pandit Nehru from the grand Europe trip – “In doing so, for once, I may be said to be acting unconstitutionally, as I am taking this step on my own initiative and without any recommendation or advice from my Prime Minister; but I know that my action will be endorsed most enthusiastically…”

      About the contention the author of the blog makes in assuming 5 yr span or 1971 as ridiculously small contributions – he/she has made sure that his/her limits are not just mediocre & indoctrinated sense of curiosity . 1971 carved out a country , gave an insight into what is a just system of treating PoWs , strengthened our positioning against the US bullying – & surprisingly it was also one of the very few moments when the varied confusions around legitimacy , sovereignty ,Human Rights /Religious identities didn’t stop Indira from having the clarity that was needed. AB Vajp. hailed her as Durga after this .

      And as in Nehru’s Case , here too , another gentleman named V V Giri did the lobbying.(http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-toi/special-report/The-great-Bharat-Ratna-race/articleshow/2714556.cms?intenttarget=no)

      But I am sure , you still would talk baseless . And so will others.

      Reply
      • Rajeev Ranjan says:

        you mean to say in just six years (not sure might be less) Indira Gandhi..did so much for India to get Bharat ratna…
        IF Rajendra prasad…recomendd Bharat ratna for Jawahar lal nehru before sardar patel or B.R Ambedkar..he is also the culprit..because I cannot believe that Nehru’s contribution to India development is more than these two great personalities

  5. Anirudh says:

    Well thought out process. I am eagerly waiting for the PMO’s reply. It would make interesting reading( or not!). I hope you come up with more of such insights.

    Reply

    • I am sure the author was not curious enough. And given what I know of India , I can understand why this blog is doing rounds. So I will escape what turns in history made this possible but Dr. Rajendra Prasad in his speech made it aptly clear who recommended whom. I shall assume about myself & others that no such effort shall be made to counter the lie. Excerpts from aforementioned Speech of Dr. rajendra Prasad on July 15th , 1955 after return of Pandit Nehru from the grand Europe trip – “In doing so, for once, I may be said to be acting unconstitutionally, as I am taking this step on my own initiative and without any recommendation or advice from my Prime Minister; but I know that my action will be endorsed most enthusiastically…”

      About the contention the author of the blog makes in assuming 5 yr span or 1971 as ridiculously small contributions – he/she has made sure that his/her limits are not just mediocre & indoctrinated sense of curiosity . 1971 carved out a country , gave an insight into what is a just system of treating PoWs , strengthened our positioning against the US bullying – & surprisingly it was also one of the very few moments when the varied confusions around legitimacy , sovereignty ,Human Rights /Religious identities didn’t stop Indira from having the clarity that was needed. AB Vajp. hailed her as Durga after this .

      And as in Nehru’s Case , here too , another gentleman named V V Giri did the lobbying.(http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-toi/special-report/The-great-Bharat-Ratna-race/articleshow/2714556.cms?intenttarget=no)

      But I am sure , you still would talk baseless . And so will others.

      Reply
  7. Ravindra says:

    Nehru started with a country which just got it freedom and even today its a enormous task to lead to a country with such a vast diversity. But Nehru got some of the brilliant leaders in his arsenal, that helped to develop a nation like we have today..
    Indira on the other hand was ruling a country which was progressing at a rapid rate. During 1970’s the country and the world too was facing some of the adverse conditions. Like the scarcity of the oil and other natural resources. Indira commanded India into a powerful nation during those tough times. She was forced to put India into emergency twice(this is what I remember) during war with Pakistan and other due to internal riots. India came out very positive through all that..
    So I think they deserve some credits. But Bharat Ratna I am not sure about that…

    And definitely a very nice article… just go on with this..and let us know the truth..

    Reply
    • Manoj Sharma says:

      do we have information when was the announcement made. Because actual was took place in December, this makes it doubtful

      Reply

    • Sorry Ashok, India’s any couldn’t be crippled the. Because we now have two enemies in the shape of Pakistan of course and Bangladesh. You would be shocked to know that half of Bangladesh population now lives freely lives in India and even has Aadhar Cards too. We (India) are being eaten from two sides now.

      Reply
      • Raj says:

        She was stubborn PM and took some brave decisions . Well If that Banladesh Ppl are coming to India that our fault . Lots of illegal immigrants are residing in many countries that’s why even USA wants to bring immigrant reformation bill.

        You wont find such a brave and spontaneous PM in our history .

  9. Well the next in line will be from the Nehru Dynasty MS. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi ..Achievements :- Corruption – Political game – Handling and twisting the PM India to their whims and fancies

    Reply

  11. I would be curious to know the exact date on which the Bharat Ratna for 1971 was announced. That’s because one of the most important events in India’s history was in the first half of December 1971 – the defeat of the Pakistani Army in the Liberation of Bangladesh theatre.

    As someonw who was around that time – not really an incognizant or an innocent – I recollect that there were numerous challenges which India faced in that age.

    We were still dependent on Agriculture for our Commerce. Our Military was using obsolete equipment. US was on Pakistan’s side. If we needed any spares for our tanks and planes, it was not going to be the US which would supply us. If we needed new planes or tanks, it was going to be at an exhorbitant price.

    In those days, Mrs G played a master-stroke by signing an Indo-Soviet Joint Treaty in which one of the pivotal statements was that if either country was attacked militarily, the other would consider it as an attack on itself and would respond appropriately. For a militarily puny India, having the USSR with its ICBMs and SLBMs was a huge big-brother presence. Even when Nixon ordered the Seventh Fleet with USS Enterprise into the Bay of Bengal, it did not faze India. We still sank PNS Ghazi in the waters outside Vizag. Eventually at the most opportune moment in those operations, India pressed for a surrender by Pakistani Army in (what was soon to be former East Pakistan but is now) Bangladesh.

    It was an ignominous defeat where almost entire India united together to deal a crushing blow -Mrs G was the PM then.

    It was seen as her victory for India – the Bharat Ratna was therefore thought to be fully deserved.

    Politically, this victory in war translated into a huge majority for the Congress Party in the elections of March 1972. But the drought of 1972 put paid all India’s efforts to grow. There was an exodus of rural population to cities in search of work because water sources dried up. (I do recollect a journey by bus which I undertook in April 1973 from Bombay to Mangalore and the landscape was truly appalling. Under the Employment Guarantee Scheme, rural population was being offered manual labour work of breaking stones to rebuild roads and bridges – our bus was diverted across dried culverts innumerable number of times in Maharashtra from Pune to Kolhapur.)

    This turned the political climate against Mrs G and the rest is history.

    I would recommend to you this article which IMHO is a very faithful narrative of the events in 1971 in South Asia from US viewpoint.

    http://www.newrepublic.com/article/115435/gary-basss-blood-telegram-reviewed-sunil-khilnani

    Reply

    • Correction: The elections were held in 1971 and not 1972. So the elections were prior to the Liberation of Bangladesh – thus the Liberation did not really help Mrs G help win an election – it perhaps reinforced the idea that Mrs G was the right person to be the PM

      Reply
    • transmitamit says:

      Interesting….enough….its been 67 years since independence… probably the Nehru dynasty headed congress has ruled for maximum part….. You talk about traveling in Maharashtra… its been 40 years since 1973… we still have droughts in Maharashtra and probably in most of the country…. Indeed People at the helm of the country deserve a prize for that… It indeed takes some extra-ordinary skills to be incompetent at such levels for so many decades…. You talk about treaty with USSR…. of course… even after 67 years we cannot manufacture a fighter jet nor a sub-marine nor a chopper nor a gun for our military…. SO much for independence… I personally really dont care who got those awards…. What has failed this country is a lack of visionaries…. we have never had leaders who could plan and execute and foresee the future…. at times I ponder….what is it that keeps ticking this country in this scenario…. I think its the common man of this country…. and he is the one who deserves the award more than anyone else….
      PS- even if you travel from Pune to Kolhapur today…. there are diversions… work in progress…

      Reply
    • Anonymous says:

      16 December 1971: Lieutenant-General A. A. K. Niazi, supreme commander of Pakistani Army in East Pakistan, surrenders to the Allied Forces (Mitro Bahini) represented by Lieutenant General Jagjit Singh Arora of Indian Army at the surrender. India and Bangladesh gain victory.

      Reply
  12. Sid says:

    Political views apart, i still DO NOT find Nehru getting Bharat Ratna as justified…There were a lot of people who took part in freedom struggle…Were all of them awarded Bharat Ratna??? Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel,,Chandra Shekhar Azad and many others…Just the other day, one congress worker questioned the credibility of Mr Vajpayee….What are the notable achievements of Mr Rajiv Gandhi and Mrs Indira Gandhi for that matter?

    Reply
      • Kumar says:

        in the same view, the outstanding achievement by Vajpayee is that he slept with many foreign men. Should we consider him for Gay activism? lol

      • raaaaaaaaaaaj says:

        what the fu..k u r telling,, how did u know vajapayee is slept with foreign me..i think u r sykho and gay ….

      • Kumar Ke papa says:

        @Kumar – you sick bastard, if you dont have sense or knowledge then dont blabber here. The entire world knows about Nehru’s character where as Mr. Vajpayee is highly respected personality even by the opposition. You must be a man from Sanjay Jhan(T) wing.

    • Moss says:

      We know you’re a troll when you demand a Bharat Ratna for Sardar Patel when he’s already a holder of one. It helps to check the list sometimes.

      People like you have taken debates and discussions to new lows.

      Reply

    • I am sure the author was not curious enough. And given what I know of India , I can understand why this blog is doing rounds. So I will escape what turns in history made this possible but Dr. Rajendra Prasad in his speech made it aptly clear who recommended whom. I shall assume about myself & others that no such effort shall be made to counter the lie. Excerpts from aforementioned Speech of Dr. rajendra Prasad on July 15th , 1955 after return of Pandit Nehru from the grand Europe trip – “In doing so, for once, I may be said to be acting unconstitutionally, as I am taking this step on my own initiative and without any recommendation or advice from my Prime Minister; but I know that my action will be endorsed most enthusiastically…”

      About the contention the author of the blog makes in assuming 5 yr span or 1971 as ridiculously small contributions – he/she has made sure that his/her limits are not just mediocre & indoctrinated sense of curiosity . 1971 carved out a country , gave an insight into what is a just system of treating PoWs , strengthened our positioning against the US bullying – & surprisingly it was also one of the very few moments when the varied confusions around legitimacy , sovereignty ,Human Rights /Religious identities didn’t stop Indira from having the clarity that was needed. AB Vajp. hailed her as Durga after this .

      And as in Nehru’s Case , here too , another gentleman named V V Giri did the lobbying.(http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-toi/special-report/The-great-Bharat-Ratna-race/articleshow/2714556.cms?intenttarget=no)

      But I am sure , you still would talk baseless . And so will others.

      Reply
    • Anonymous says:

      Rajiv got Bharat Ratna because when the country needed him the most he was loitering around Italy, England and america trying to find a perfect WIFE who should be at least waitress but for sure uneducated, which he at last succeeded and thats the reason indian govt. got so happy that they rewarded him with Bharat Ratna. When ever some thing drastic happens today in India Mr. Rahul Gandhi is always on world tour, now i know why always like father like son.

      Reply
  15. shruti says:

    Good findings Ashok, Nehru got Bharat Ratna for performance in freedom struggle but he was not single person who was struggling for freedom. Did he do something extraordinary?

    Reply
  16. vijay says:

    this is a good explanation of how Gandhi family misuse our country India and why they don’t deserve to continue in govt anymore.

    Reply
  18. Anonymous says:

    Hello Mr. Ashok,

    even I’ve gone through the list of Bharat Ratna awardees and was confused and then I started my daily routine but I think we should not keep calm. we should use our RTI and raise a fear in their mind who running our government that they can not simply run away of what they did, The people of India will raise queries against them.

    Thanks once again..

    Reply
  21. sandeep says:

    Why did you miss question about Rajiv Gandhi and his “exceptional public services”? or it is your next step :-).
    To add more, there is theory that Abul Kalam Azad declined for the award when his name was proposed for the award, saying that it should not be awarded to a person while he is in selection committee.

    Waiting for your post about reply from President Secretariat!

    Reply

  23. Thanks for sharing the info. Even though Nehru was involved in the war of independece, I don’t think he can recommend himself to the highest recognition of the country. If he had been so much involved, he would have recommended others for the award. Please do share us the outcome of your latest RTI request.

    Reply
  24. K.R.SADAGOPAL says:

    As you have mentioned candidly that, till we get the reply from (not necessarily, a rational one) from president’s secretariate, we could draw our own conclutions…thats the answer and it is as simple as that.,

    Reply

  25. The wiki link that I visited says, “She served as the Chief of Staff of her father’s highly centralized administration between 1947 and 1964 and came to wield considerable unofficial influence in government. Elected Congress President in 1959, she was offered the premiership in succession to her father. Gandhi refused and instead chose to become a cabinet minister in the government. She finally consented to become Prime Minister in succession to Lal Bahadur Shastri in 1966.” [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indira_Gandhi]
    Which link did you visit to find the information quoted in your article?

    Reply
    • Anonymous says:

      Mr Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar who has earned a lot in the entertainment/sports industry is conferred BR for political reasons..period

      Reply

  28. Hi ,
    To write something like this, really requires a thorough uderstanding n study, because u know people would point fingers, get provoked or dismiss it. So, i really appreciate ur tone and choice of words n balanced approach. Would love to know what the President Secretariat would reply.

    Reply
  30. Deepak says:

    Ashok, I am sure you may know about the following:

    >>Until 2011, the official criteria for awarding the Bharat Ratna stipulated it was to be conferred “for the highest degrees of national service. This service includes artistic, literary, and scientific achievements, as well as “recognition of public service of the highest order.”[3][4] In December 2011, the Government of India modified the criteria to allow sportspersons to receive the award; since then, the award may be conferred “for performance of highest order in any field of human endeavour.”<<

    The above extract was taken from Bharat Ratna wiki page. Thus, "performance of the highest order" started only in 2011, and using that to query for awardees in 1955 and 1971 is not very sound, IMHO. Similarly, it could be the case that the PM recommends the awardee these days, but, whether it was so in "those" days, also needs to be verified. You cannot simply assume that things do not change (without evidence), and juxtapose today's criterion on those days. That needs to be independently verified. I am not trying to criticize you – but, hope you get the spirit of my argument. Cheers 🙂

    Reply
  31. Pankaj says:

    Clarifying that I don’t particularly stand with anyone of these politicians.. But a few of her steps were highly commendable..
    1. Standing rock solid at the international stage, while US ships were in Bay of Bengal, over India-Pakistan-Bangladesh row in 1971. This improved our international standing..
    2. Signing India-USSR Peace accord, that paved way for deeper strategic relations between the two.

    This is apart from the well established point credited to her name, that India stood for Bangladesh. Paved way for a cordial neighbor. (Alas! we havent been able to garner the fruits of a well meaning relationship)

    Reply
    • Tulasi Ram says:

      They were decisions taken with courage, I agree. But what is the Exceptional service in that. There is huge difference between Exceptional service and Decision making. Doing service means one has to sacrifice a lot(Loosing personal life). It doesn’t anyway justify Bharat Ratna to Indira Gandhi.

      Reply
      • Anonymous says:

        I amnt a congress supporter, but you guys are taking it too far. If your “losing personal life” criteria is to be applied then most awardees wudnt deserve the award! How abt Abdul Kalam? I think the country will be a far better place without such half baked “analyses”!

  32. Anonymous says:

    This dilutes the meaning of what Bharat Ratna stands for… what kind of a leader would recommend himself for the country’s top honor

    Reply
  36. prateek20111989 says:

    Amazing article but I do have one question….Can we say that Indira Ganndhi started operation bluestar because of which the Khalistan movement came to an end and that is why she got bharat ratna ?

    Reply
    • Pal says:

      By the way Rajiv Gandhi Shared Platform ( actually invited) that terrorist ( leader of militants slain in operation Bluestar) in a Congress rally in Ludhiana in year 1983 ( an year Before Bluestar). All dates are perfect and there are newspaper reports to that effect.. Indira Gandhi was Prime minister then.. …So we may also say Rajiv got Bharat Ratna for promoting militancy in Punjab. due to this isolated incident

      Reply
  37. Praveen says:

    A very intelligent and genuine question, i’ll keep following your blog for another update. For next RTI, you can also add why Gandhi haven’t received this award while whole Nehru dynasty getting it one by one.

    Reply
  39. Sachin says:

    good analysis!!! But what i am not getting is what are you trying to achieve here ?
    Whats the idea behind this? I am not clear . Can you please clarify?

    Reply
  40. Anonymous says:

    not being too cynical here, but can anyone please justify what exactly did Jawaharlal Nehru do to be considered for the ‘Bharat Ratna’ award? he always played the 2nd fiddle in all the Congress policies (pre-independence) and never took an initiative for anything even post-independence. anyone, who has any knowledge on his achievements, with the relevant evidence, please comment..

    Reply

    • If by whatever India has got, you mean corruption, dishonesty and a country in spoils, then yes, it’s all because of the Gandhi’s. Our country would have been far off better had someone else been the PM’s instead of the Nehru family.

      Reply
    • india says:

      Do u want to say only Gandhi family exist n no one else did anything for India? I don’t think it is them but because of all freedom fighters n all intelligente brains of India where we are now…only Gandhi family has nothing to do or more precise Nehru family

      Reply
    • Pal says:

      You mean whatever people have got has been given in donation by Mrs Gandhi from her Swiss bank accounts and not has been earned by hard work of the people.. Actually no offense meant. My father worked hard to educate us and not Indira Gandhi …and same is true for other people .The people associated with promoting Congress might be the likely exceptions.

      Reply
    • mutedna says:

      Dear mohit ,
      I really feel sorry for you.
      But then you are perfect example of how naïve our Indian people can be.
      yes Gandhi Neharu family have done some good things.
      But they are also responsible for the awful state our country is in right now.
      They have converted the country in to a virtual monarchy, the policy paralysis at the center its such that the invisible hand always wield the power.

      Reply

      • thanks for making me an example…… if u r leaving in u r lucky…. u know what respected ppl of UK talk good about India and they would love to visit India…

  42. Pankaj says:

    I work in a company and for doing what i am supposed to do i dont get any awards. If a PM does good for the public or launches schemes, that is the exact job he/she is supposed to do. I dont understand how a person can take credit for the job they are meant to do or for what we have elected them to do.
    it is like i am doing a great job by going to work.
    they should stop this nonsense, now public is more aware and would not take it any more. if the govt has Rs1crore and they spend it on road/removing poverty,etc, they are supposed to do that. what is so great in that. is it that they thought that this money can be spent there, and hence they are getting these award?
    I dont think u want me to tell you what are the issues in the country for the last 60years. China was no better than us then but now i dont think we would be able to catch up with them in near future.
    thanks

    Reply
    • Anonymous says:

      Brother.. Don’t compare India with China. China is an autocratic Socialist society and you won’t have the freedom even to write these words in China, I suppose you could have got arrested by now if you are making above comments about a Chinese leader. Though India in recent days is not proving to be different (with reference to the arrest of two girls for status updates in Facebook about the funeral of Bal Thakarey in Maharastra), we can still say that we are relatively safe and can discuss democracy in India. In China I don’t think it is possible.

      Reply
  44. Hari says:

    If someone had to give an award to Indira just cause she was a good stateswoman, then why can’ this be conferred to Jayalalitha (Keeping in mind that her mentor Dr. MGR was also conferred one) another resounding stateswoman. Even she has her own share of controversies.

    Reply
    • Pal says:

      All Jungle I mean the green is finished..thats a revolutionary step.. And Most Likely Raj and Sam were behind development of telecom…Or they installed the equipment in India from there own hard earned money which they got as a salary from flying planes or working in some company.. Common stop fooling urself first by saying so…

      Reply
  47. vikram says:

    Pandit Nehru deserved this award irrespective of fact who nominated him…also if indira Gandhi got after 71 war she also deserved it

    Reply
    • Pal says:

      Yes no general or soldier deserved it.. And In fact the man who trained the muktivahini was unceremoniously not promoted to chief of army staff.

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shabeg_Singh

      ……..Although he had a brilliant military career, including being an instructor in the prestigious Joint Services Wing of the Indian Military Academy, Major General Shahbeg Singh was discharged from Indian Army without court martial one day before his retirement, thus losing part of his pensions. Singh took his case to the civil courts which cleared him of all the charges.[5]

      Reply
  49. Sreejith Narayanan says:

    I truly appreciate your research. I checked the details mentioned by you and realized that all is perfectly right.

    After reading everything, I now wonder how did they even fit into the great category – CV Raman, S Radhakrishnan, Mother Teresa, Vallabhai Patel, JRD Tata and many more…

    Sad but true !

    Please continue this good work and do keep sharing the knowledge.

    Jai Hind !

    Reply
  50. Silky says:

    They both got in great revolution in this country, undoubtedly. It is absolute pointless why people discuss past so much rather than what future has in hold or even the present. Think of creating solutions to the latest problem and channelise your energy. Think about what they did to the country and get inspired !!

    Reply

  51. You might have missed out the Green revolution, Nationalization of banks,nuclear program and her successes in foreign relations arena, which gave India South Asian hegemony. Hope you will improve your research so that the readers get enlightened.
    Jai Hind

    Reply
  53. Ballu says:

    You take care of yourself Prakash. As people who tried to serve the country honestly and educate its fellow men have died suspiciously. I am not sure what al congress can do for fame.

    Reply
  55. anonymous says:

    I think most interesting part is that Indian citizens are becoming more aware and are logically questioning facts which they accepted earlier without being skeptic. Who won the award and why is a history but this inquisitive attitude is surely the silver lining for India’s future. Great going…

    Reply
  57. Gowtham Palwai says:

    Great analysis Nationalizer, it is so sad that Bharat Ratna is awarded to this kind of people, whereas Bhagat Singh, Subhas Chandra Bose, P.V Narshima Rao, N.T Rama Roa and many other great Indians are ignored to peeks for getting Bharat Ratna. And I’m really happy to read such wonderful information which you shared 🙂 🙂

    Reply

  59. I think Sonia Gandhi should be given Bharat Ratna for being smart enough to outwit a country that produces some of the smartest minds in the world. Not only did she dupe us once, she duped us twice and barring a miracle, she’ll dupe us again ! I don’t think any of us need to know the reason why Indira Gandhi got the award in 1971. We all know it in our hearts. But we have bigger things to worry about here. Should we let yet another Gandhi suck our country dry, just because he happened to be born in certain family ? If we do allow that, I guess we might as well make him the king and do away with this farce that we call democracy .

    Reply
  60. Varun says:

    I am a MODI Ji’s supporter but that doesn’t say every congress leaders were ass holes. Indhira was 200% best compared to current congress PMs. Indira Gandhi actually deserves that for some reasons. Well i would say for her dynamic decisions made which are currently impossible to be taken in current corrupt govt. scenario –

    1. She left us a tremendous victory over our sweetest lifetime enemy Pak
    2.Her strong commitment against the then American President Richard Nixon who supported Pak in 1971 war. (Russia those days published in their papers litteraly as India’s victory over America itself. This is when America started funding India out of fear to gain the Third world power’s friendship )
    3. Myth says even the best then CIA agents were unable to track Indhira’s moves during war.
    4. This is the time after which total world got shocked of Indian pride, Each and all fellow nations stunned thinking how come India have such courage despite of spending its past history in brutal slavery and capitalism of British.
    5. She is the one who is responsible (atleast indirectly during Nehru hayam) for almost all schemes in favour of the backward.
    6. Her stand against Sikh terrorists ( though she made some serious mistake of her life)

    Reply
  63. Akshay says:

    I am sure the Bharat Ratna citation for Smt. Indira Gandhi and Shri Jawahar Lal Nehru would have mentioned their achievements.

    Perhaps this information would be available under RTI.

    Reply

  64. Very nicely written. I would not be surprised if next, they give it to “Madam Ji” and after that to “Baba”. I am sure they are going to give hodge bodge answers to all of your queries but nonetheless great use of RTI.

    Reply
  65. SHIKHA says:

    I dun know about Nehru much but Indira Gandhi had served and given an example of women empowerment at that time when women were nowhere..c took on the politics as her career though she can have better life,i know congress is not at all duin any gud work these days but just to picture congress wrong if we start thinking on Rajiv Gandhi and Indira Gandhi who had given their life to nations development that is wrong and I am agree with Varuns point mentioned above,my mom is nowhere interested in politics but c remember Rajiv Gandhi and Indira Gandhi as true leaders

    Reply
  66. Prashant says:

    Very nice observation Ashok.. Even I went through the wikipedia after the Sachin’s nomination for the Highest civilian award, and was surprised to see the names of Indira and Rajiv Gandhi.. Both of them lived controversial life and so far their acts are not justified as the PM of India… Sometimes I think, the Bharat Ratna award is the property of Congress Party and has lost its value..

    Reply
  67. Anantha Narayanan says:

    You just added one more reason for me to hate the congress family…rock solid in your investigations this will lead to understand how our politicians work…

    Reply
  68. Anonymous says:

    Hi Brother,

    I hats-up to your explanation about Nehru-Gandhi Family Fraud.If At least 1 or 2 People awake from their sleep then your analysis fulfills.

    Reply
  69. Mohan says:

    Most saddest thing is mother teresa was awarded the Bharat Ratna only after she got the Noble prize. The whole list has got a weird history.

    Reply

  72. Bade Khushnaseeb The JAWAHARLAL NEHRU Aur INDIRA GANDHI Jinhe Jeete Jee BHARAT RATNA Award Se Nawaza Gaya,
    Warna SARDAR VALLABHBHAI PATEL Aur B.R. AMBEDKAR Ko Toh Ye Marnoprant Naseeb Hua Aur Woh Bhi Unke Duniya Se Jaane Ke 35-40 Saal Baad…!!!

    JAWAHARLAL NEHRU (1889-1964) Awarded BHARAT RATNA In 1955 When He Was PM…

    INDIRA GANDHI (1917-1984) Awarded BHARAT RATNA In 1971 When She Was PM…

    B.R. AMBEDKAR
    (1891-1956) Awarded BHARAT RATNA In 1990…

    SARDAR VALLABHBHAI PATEL (1875-1950) Awarded BHARAT RATNA In 1991…

    I’m Afraid Coz Jaldi Hi MANMOHAN SINGH (Honorable PM) Ko Bhi BHARAT RATNA Milne Wala Hai Kyuki Unhone DESH Se Jyada CONGRESS Ki Sewa Ki Hai… 🙂

    Reply
  76. Anonymous says:

    good work! shared it on FB. I just wondered if it is true that we have not achieved our freedom truly, actually it is just a transfer of power agreement for 99 years. Nehru and Mountbatten did the agreement while Gandhi stayed at Noakhali. I was shocked to read about it. Wish to find the truth.

    Reply

  78. Instead of “Does Prime Minister himself recommend Bharat Ratna awardee to the president.”, you could ask
    “Can anyone other than the prime minister in office recommend the BR award to the president?”
    and also
    “Can the president award BR without a recommendation from the PM?”

    These would be better for deductive logic

    Reply
  81. Anonymous says:

    Dear Ashok,

    Good piece of information, you have got the courage to poke the (Congress) Govt. Keep up the good work, it is definitely inspiring all of us.

    Thanks!

    Reply
  82. Arun Goel says:

    Good job Ashok ji,,,in gandi parivar ke logo ko sharam nahi hai,,,poora khaandaan gira hua hai…saalo ne desh ko mazak bana diya hai…

    Reply
  83. mohan says:

    hi ashok

    extrordinary work so truth is we have never got the independence till today from the nepotism and latets of congress is thye would have ripped off by Medeia, people and opposition if they had given Bhrath Ratna only to sachin to come out of the threat they gave the Bharat Ratna to CNR rao.

    if Sachin is real GENTL MAN (as been depicted by MEDIA, his followers)he should have rejected it as whole purpose of Bharat ratna staed above, (done something real meaning fullexceptional service/performance of the highest order in any field of human endeavour. The recommendations for Bharat Ratna are made by the Prime Minister himself to the President.) let people decide where does sachin matched the definition being a Bharat Ratna, there are lot many scientis, NGO heads, trusts, numerous people shown on Aamir khan show Satyameva jayate , army officers died 26/11 attacks in Mumbai, and in one of the episode where a raped woman is saving lives of human traffickin women, saving 100 of girls from brothels, in hyderabad without even getting a penny from any government. so
    one great thing real meaninfull exceptions service he gets a ferrari car with all the duty exemoted around 2 crores and sells that car to a business man for 3.5 crores.
    so please real humans please wake up now strip the bharath ratna.
    All the great media showed Sachin for days and nights showing his great batting and runs he has scored none not even one has dared to ask governement how did he qualify for highest indian civilian award.
    so the list goes on and on if this way of choosing Bharat Ratna next will be sure Sonia gandhi, MS Dhoni( after congress gets him Rajya sabha entry)

    Reply
    • V S says:

      Also dont forget the son and daughter (Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi). Why should they be left out, without being RATNA’s!! Pathetic!!

      Reply

  85. Interestingly…the Bharat Ratna was not awarded to Mahatma Gandhi as at that time, conferring it posthumously was not the practice.

    But in 1966 when this was revised, to confer Lal Bahadru Shastri with the award, the same could have been done for Gandhiji.

    We can’t deny that Gandhiji has achieved quite more than either Indira Gandhi or Rajiv Gandhi.

    Reply
  88. Anonymous says:

    you should look at great Sardhar Patel got BR in 1999 and where as Rajiv got in 1991.
    What has Rajiv achieve more than Patel.

    Reply
  89. Anonymous says:

    ANother interesting question to ask would be who were the other nominees that were recommendaed for Bharat Ratna in the year 1955, 1971 and 1990.

    Reply
  90. Srikanth says:

    Being a bullshit member of congress party is enough to get a Bharat Ratna…….that’s why they themselves awarded with highest award Bharat Ratna

    Reply
  91. yash says:

    The greatest achievement of Indira was that she was a member of self proclaimed secular… Sickular party.… other than that nothing watch the episodes of Pradhanmantri telecasted on ABP news.. You will get to know all the cheap tactics that she played..
    If any politician really deserves Bharat Ratna then its Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee..

    Reply
  94. rohan says:

    Hey guys its good to dig out history and curse these indiviuals but is it worth it. I mean what difference it makes who got bharat ratna and who didnt. Who are we to question them when we ourselves havent done anything of that caliber.

    Its easy to critize someone but very tough to do something yourself. Fuck that this article sucks and so does all you morons get a life and seriously if you wanna write an article than write about the growth what india has made in all this years. Not digging past and chatting shit about it.

    So boring article. Honestly stupid people on this forum.

    You guys are not true indians. Do something about the country live today and do something for tomorrow for yourself and the country if you are sure that you are patriotic not some bullshit like this..

    Chao

    Reply
  96. Chaitu says:

    Some one suggested Mahatma Gandhi be given BR. I feel he is much above Bharat Ratna. It is like giving “best christian” award to Jesus

    Reply

  97. I am sure the author was not curious enough. And given what I know of India , I can understand why this blog is doing rounds. So I will escape what turns in history made this possible but Dr. Rajendra Prasad in his speech made it aptly clear who recommended whom. I shall assume about myself & others that no such effort shall be made to counter the lie. Excerpts from aforementioned Speech of Dr. rajendra Prasad on July 15th , 1955 after return of Pandit Nehru from the grand Europe trip – “In doing so, for once, I may be said to be acting unconstitutionally, as I am taking this step on my own initiative and without any recommendation or advice from my Prime Minister; but I know that my action will be endorsed most enthusiastically…”

    Reply

  98. About the contention the author of the blog makes in assuming 5 yr span or 1971 as ridiculously small contributions – he/she has made sure that his/her limits are not just mediocre & indoctrinated sense of curiosity . 1971 carved out a country , gave an insight into what is a just system of treating PoWs , strengthened our positioning against the US bullying – & surprisingly it was also one of the very few moments when the varied confusions around legitimacy , sovereignty ,Human Rights /Religious identities didn’t stop Indira from having the clarity that was needed. AB Vajp. hailed her as Durga after this .

    And as in Nehru’s Case , here too , another gentleman named V V Giri did the lobbying.(http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-toi/special-report/The-great-Bharat-Ratna-race/articleshow/2714556.cms?intenttarget=no)

    But I am sure , you still would talk baseless . And so will others.

    Reply

  99. Pingback: Bharat Ratna…

  100. Karthik says:

    you could have added two more questions
    1. When will the current Gandhi’s (Sonia, Rahul, Priyanka) be awarded Bharath Rathna?
    2. When will Robber ..err.. Robert Vadodara receive Bharath Rathna?
    😉

    Reply
  101. Vikash Sharma says:

    i can not belive that you are such an ass#$$ who took time to find what indira gandhi did ?

    again ass@#@# do even know she was the only prime minister who started green revolution for india ? before this indian had to eat imported grain which exporting country used to feed to their animals.

    Do you know because of her bold decision we were able to divide paskistan in two ?
    her govt planned the plot in such a manner that in-spite of lots of efforts from USA (supported of pakistan and UK supporter of US) could not even touch india, other wise you could not have been able to write this blog cos we were so far left out in development as you can see paskitan and bangladesh, Operation Blue star and there are many thing which she has done to bring india on the feet. rather than doing shit work like this better try to improve current situation.

    Reply
    • ram mohan says:

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Revolution_in_India
      I wonder how you can transfer the honour to Indira when the father of Green Revolution is supposed to be Swaminathan? Also, Indira inherited a lot of good infrastructure from the first three five year plans – probably these were the only three five year plans which were planned well and executed. After this, thanks to the China war our whole economy was in shambles. Add to that the 1965 war with Pakistan and and again 1971 with Pakistan/Bangladesh etc. Indira was a statesman but that does not mean one can heap appreciation meant for some one else on to her.

      Reply
  102. Anonymous says:

    Dear Ashok,
    You deserve all the appreciation. You forgot Nehru has taken the Kashmir problem to UN. Indira Gandhi Imposed Emergency.

    Reply

  104. What VV Giri might have done for Indira – I’m ready to do for our PM M.M.Singh. That means he will have to return back the favour by recommending me for a Bharat Ratna too… Gr8!! I’m all for it….

    Reply
  105. chetak says:

    when will Mahatma Gandhi get Bharat ratna before or after Rahul Gandhi?????? jiske naam ki vote aur roti khaate h usko hi bhulla rakha …………..plz comment

    Reply
  106. kiran paluri says:

    I want to shoot out my first question..
    1). nehru family is the only one who are having right to rule India..?? what the extra qualification they are having in them..?? they are less minds than a pigs and donkeys..though.,
    this is the democratic path leads in india..we are saying that.,india is the lagrest democratic country in the world.,but.,no one exactly knows what is the meaning of democracy..

    Reply
  107. Anonymous says:

    @ To Few Idiots who are supporting Indira, Nehru and Congress Part,

    Type Rajiv Dixit You Tube Videos and Listen Truth about all Congress Deshdrohi Gaddars…

    Reply
  109. Chattopadhyay says:

    Better to watch from a distance!!!

    Nothing worthwhile would happen even after these exchange of hot comments & equally befitting counter comments!!
    But RTI is a very powerful tool for progress only if the answers to RTI queries are allowed to expose to the masses.
    At the E.O.D.We get the government we deserve!!!
    Much gratitude & best wishes for a better day for India!

    Reply
  110. Kalavathi says:

    Rulers are being created for the safty of the nations.But actually they are not for ever the owners of the countries….. This idea must be in the minds of all candidates for election.The creator of anything only could claim for this position,…..But not the rulers are not the owners, especially the elected polititions.. I think this is a good subject for any vast debates…..

    Reply
  112. piyush jain says:

    It is also worthwhile to learn as to who how and why robert vadra is amongst the select few individuals who are not supposed to be frisked at indian customs at international airport. Next time u are at airport u can see his name in the list.

    Reply

  114. As per my previous comments , which you thankfully put in your post , I want to ask two things.

    (A) Do you think that the damage done to the perception of Nehru & Indira in both the cases -(I) Some one else nominating them or (2)They nominating themselves is but the same thing? As it seems , (1) shouldn’t cause any damage. So my bigger question is that if it seems fair & factually established that (1) is true , Is it ethical to try to undo the damage? Now One may want to damage the perception but is history worth being reduced to non-factual discourses , isn’t it then ethical to be still wanting to defame others but based on true & verified account of history.. And if there is still a lapse on account of technical reasons shouldn’t one try to undo the damage?

    (B) Ideological differences should be respectfully dissolved or in case of non-dissolution respected. But where does it warrant the current generation to reinterpret history according to the way they interpret present ? History for last two centuries is present with detailed narrative. What we ended up having wasn’t sheer luck or wasn’t due to foolish people reading the situation wrong. They pretty much were as informed as the best of us are & the way they differed from current-lot is actually their approach towards conflict resolution & other ideals – & they were backed up by almost all of India. I see that you have a law background & therefore , I am surprised if you do not think Constitution as a carefully deliberated set of articles. And as such if you of all people say that Secularism has been inserted very late , will not that be ridiculous- because in essence it was always there. Politics of course enabled the constitution drafters to dare that idealism. So here the bigger question is that in spite of saying that we can not own up that idealism why do we defame history or change the narrative or distort it ? Why Nehru has to become wrong for us to afford Hindutva ?

    Its a crime to distort history. Its not a crime to interpret history but sufficient context has to be established.

    So a general sort of question , what if the narrative which current India has about History is all but mis-representation or mis-interpretation ? ( If we are to quote some glaring injustices , we should remind ourselves that Press has been free & has always reported on issues of ideology or justice) Corruption or corporate indulgence that are hidden – I can understand. Ideological Propaganda-No. If we are smart enough about seeing a conspiracy , many people must have been in past. Gandhi for his sexual experiments wasn’t spared . Mathai revealed many things. K.Nayar did. Nikhilda did. The Hindu did Bofors. There was Verghese.Most of honest bureaucrats & journalists keep revealing in autobiographies. So the point is from vote bank politics to all other issues , we have been in know of things & never because RSS revealed it- because honest people did , or accounts revealed. It should have happened more often but sadly most govt. employees are corrupt , reasons numerous. Rajeev Dixit doesn’t/shouldn’t do good or be wished to be messiah. CAG is fine. Institutions are there. We have strengthen them . We can Adopt Hindutva but we do not negate history or create a new one. But negation makes adoption easy. If Hindutva is good ideology , we should dare to not take shortcut. But We know at some level that even if our narration is found to be factually wrong(I am not saying ideologically) , we still won’t change ideology- not now. Some of us have known that narration has been wrong but we are okay with it because we know what it does is to relieve us of moral burden .

    But that doesn’t change India. Our engaging into this ideology doesn’t guarantee systemic changes in polity or bureaucracy or policy or implementation or electoral, reforms. Almost all economic policies will remain unchanged since both Con. & bJP have same policies. Some will prefer Gujjar reservation. Some – some other. No one will empower. No one talks of structural change. Both compromised by corporates . Its a heavy task to look into these matter- which is true nationalism- but we shall be escapists . In fact , may I suggest a video I saw today of one of my favorites to understand why we are not doing our parts by indulging in this kind of political or national(izer) discourses:

    Reply
  117. Anonymous says:

    Thank u ashok sir for revealing all truths to the public and to youth of nation. Our country and ppl not yet got freedom stil its in some dirty hands today also, take back al awards from them plz leave our country italy women save our country

    Reply
  118. Anonymous says:

    Its really interesting what you have found. In-spite of their enormous contribution in Indian politics , it is really suspicious how someone could recommended himself/herself for Highest Civilian Award without the consent of others.
    But I guess it may be little helpful for you if you go through the wiki page “Bangladesh Liberation War” and what was the then Indian stance at that war. This war resulted the largest number of prisoners-of-war since World War II.Due to operation searchlight what was going on that time and what Smt. Indira Gandhi had done in world perspective at that time. Even you may wonder that she was nominated for Nobel Prize at that time. So 1971 Bharat Ratna for Indira Gandhi certainly have some definite reasons.

    Reply
      • AK says:

        but making a missile is..?! A country awards its citizens the civilain awards based on what the country feels is good for the country in that particular period of time. Actually there are far more credible things that can be talked against the erstwhile congress leaders than such hollow ones. More than your post, its the blindess of the many who comment that really worries.

      • Indrajit says:

        Sad that you dismiss the 1971 conflict that liberated a country facing genocide, standing up to the world’s mightiest, merely as “waging war”. The original post at least made an attempt to maintain a balance, but perhaps the effort was proving too strenuous.

  120. Ishan says:

    No, doubt this is the good work one. Two very relevant question are Did Indira Gandhi,Pandit Nehru,and Rajiv Gandhi did so much good to the nation that they receive awards within that short span. Even the writer of Constitution, the biggest contributor of equality in the nation could not achieve this feat in his entire lifetime nor for further 30 more years.

    What exactly did they do which was so large enough, that they receive Bharat-Ratna in such a short span, moreover what they did, was it not their responsibility to do. Moreover Bharat Ratna requires selfless work. The one who works to fill his bank accounts cannot receive the prestigious Award. So all the Bank Accounts of such people in India and Abroad must be checked.It is a known fact that Nehru family started the tradition of Bank heavens and since then all politicians got interested in swizz banks.

    What Mr Nehru has done to the nation can be seen on this video.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XtcFiZwENY

    Again it is not important to believe on whatever is said in the Video, but the very fact certain things like these are coming out are the output of some or the other wrong deeds.

    Otherwise why such questions and pics are not brought against S.V.Patel,B.R Ambedkar.

    Reply

  121. No, doubt this is the good work one. Two very relevant question are Did Indira Gandhi,Pandit Nehru,and Rajiv Gandhi did so much good to the nation that they receive awards within that short span. Even the writer of Constitution, the biggest contributor of equality in the nation could not achieve this feat in his entire lifetime nor for further 30 more years.

    What exactly did they do which was so large enough, that they receive Bharat-Ratna in such a short span, moreover what they did, was it not their responsibility to do. Moreover Bharat Ratna requires selfless work. The one who works to fill his bank accounts cannot receive the prestigious Award. So all the Bank Accounts of such people in India and Abroad must be checked.It is a known fact that Nehru family started the tradition of Bank heavens and since then all politicians got interested in swizz banks.

    What Mr Nehru has done to the nation can be seen on this video.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XtcFiZwENY

    Again it is not important to believe on whatever is said in the Video, but the very fact certain things like these are coming out are the output of some or the other wrong deeds.

    Otherwise why such questions and pics are not brought against S.V.Patel,B.R Ambedkar.

    Reply

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