Political leaders in the country through their vision, dedication and relentless efforts, have made yeoman’s contributions to the nation-building process, governance, and the political evolution of India. Neeti Prakash gives them an honourable mention and says their legacy continues to inspire and guide India towards progress and prosperity.
India has been shaped by numerous leaders, who have been conferred with the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award of the Republic of India, to honour their work and role in nation-building, governance and the political evolution of India.
In addition to the initial recipients of the award that included Dr. S Radhakrishnan, C. Rajagopalachari and Jawaharlal Nehru, who played a pivotal role in India’s Independence movement and shaped India in its initial years as a free nation, there have been many political leaders over the years who have contributed immensely to nation-building and make India what it is today.
Governance and public administration
The first Chief Minister of the state of Uttar Pradesh in independent India, Govind Ballabh Pant was a prominent freedom fighter and a tall political leader in the new Indian government. He was also the Union Home minister and served in that position from 1955 till 1961. It was during his tenure as the minister that he was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1957.
Pant played a crucial role in making Hindi language a prominent one in the country. He was born on 10 September 1887 in Khoont village which now lies in Uttarakhand. In 1921, Pant was elected to the Legislative Assembly of the United Provinces of Agra and Oudh, aka the United Provinces, and that kick-started his political career that led to him contributing immensely in strengthening national unity.
In 1950, when he became the first CM of Uttar Pradesh, he brought in several reforms that included abolition of the zamindari system, promotion of women rights, etc. His gave the region stable governance and the reforms he initiated improved the economic condition of the state in a big way.
He was also an astute lawyer and an active participant in the Independence movement for which he was arrested and imprisoned by the British. After Independence, he made significant contributions in improving governance and public administration in India.
Another political and social leader who helped promulgate judicious reforms in India and made significant contributions in the formation of the Constitution was Dr. B. R. Ambedkar – a jurist, social reformer and politician. His was the Chairman of the Constituent Assembly which drafted the Constitution of India and the first Law Minister of independent India.
Ambedkar fought fiercely against social discrimination and for the rights of the marginalised communities. As the Law Minister, he played a crucial role in eradicating social inequalities in the country. He believed that social morality is the main focus of political philosophy. He ensured there’s formulation of an inclusive development policy in India.
Political stalwart
Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was one of the most popular leaders of the country. He was not only popular among the adults and the elderly but the youth of the nation as well. He was a politician and a poet and his fiery poetry-laced speeches in the Parliament created ripples and influenced the masses in a big way. He was given the Bharat Ratna in 2015.
Vajpayee was born on 25 December 1924 in Gwalior State of British India, now Madhya Pradesh. His father was a school teacher and the family had roots in Uttar Pradesh. He soon entered public life in Gwalior when he joined Arya Samaj’s youth wing, the Arya Kumar Sabha and became its general secretary. He was also a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) which he joined as a swayamsevak and climbed up the ladder very soon.
A senior leader of the BJP, he was the Prime Minister of India for three terms of – 13 days, then 13 months and the last term he served was for the entire duration. Vajpayee became the first Prime Minister in India who did not belong to the Congress Party and served the entire term in office.
One of India’s most loved leaders, Vajpayee’s life was marked with several landmarks. He was a great orator and one of India’s most prominent diplomats. At the 32nd United Nations General Assembly, he had given a speech that is remembered till today.
As the Prime Minister, Vajpayee brought in many positive changes in the nation. In May 1998, in a very bold move, India successfully conducted nuclear tests in Pokhran, Rajasthan against all odds. Chief Scientific Adviser and DRDO Director Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and Director of the Department of Atomic Energy Dr. R. Chidambaram led the mission under Vajpayee’s leadership. To evade suspicion from American spies, the team disguised themselves as Indian army officials.
Leading by example
Since its inception, the Bharat Ratna has been awarded to a diverse group of individuals who have made significant contributions to society. In 2019, the award was conferred posthumously upon politician and activist Nanaji Deshmukh along with singer-composer Bhupen Hazarika, also posthumously, and the former President of India and politician Pranab Mukherjee.
Nanaji Deshmukh, original name Chandikadas Amritrao Deshmukh, was born in 1916 in a small town in Hingoli in Maharashtra called Kadoli. He was from a very modest background and supported himself for his education. He was an active member of the RSS and with them worked in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. His idol was Bal Gangadhar Tilak. He was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 2019.
Political activist and educator, Aruna Asaf Ali was a very active member of the Indian Independence movement. She was born in 1909 in Kalka (now in Haryana). Her father, Upendranath Ganguly, a restaurant owner, was from East Bengal (now Bangladesh) who settled in the United Province. She belonged to an illustrious family of filmmakers, academicians and politicians. She married Asif Ali who was also a Congress party leader.
Aruna was a prominent member of India’s freedom struggle. She joined the Indian National Congress and actively participated in processions and marches. She was arrested and imprisoned for these activities. After India became independent, she became Delhi’s first mayor.
When the All-India Congress Committee passed the Quit India resolution at the Bombay session in 1942, there was knee jerk reaction by the British government that arrested all major leaders of the Congress Working Committee to stall the movement. At that time, a very young Aruna presided over the session and hoisted the flag at the Gowalia Tank Maidan in Bombay which then marked the beginning of the movement.
For her bravery, she was called the Heroine of the 1942 movement and later as the Grand Old Lady of the Independence movement. She was conferred the Bharat Ratna in 1997.
The Bharat Ratna serves as a symbol of the highest civilian honour in India. It recognises and celebrates the exceptional service and contributions of individuals from all walks of life. The award stands as a testament to the diverse ways in which individuals can serve their country and make a significant impact on society.
India’s political leaders, through their vision, dedication and relentless efforts, have significantly contributed to the nation-building process, governance, and the political evolution of India. Their legacy continues to inspire and guide India towards progress and prosperity.