Bharat Ratna for former PMs Charan Singh and PV Narasimha Rao, scientist Swaminathan

New Delhi: The Centre on Friday conferred Bharat Ratna on former Prime Ministers Charan Singh and PV Narasimha Rao and agricultural scientist MS Swaminathan, who is known for his leading role in India's 'Green Revolution', posthumously. PV Narasimha Rao's grandson, NV Subhash, said the former PM's contribution was ignored for a long time. "I am really delighted Narasimha Rao ji has got the Bharat Ratna. I am very happy and thankful to PM Modi. His contribution has been recognised," NV Subhash said. Taking to X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Narasimha Rao's "visionary leadership" was instrumental in making India economically advanced, laying a solid foundation for the country's prosperity and growth. Former Chief Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, former PM PV Narasimha Rao and Indian agronomist and agricultural scientist MS Swaminathan will be conferred the Bharat Ratna Award pic.twitter.com/q92x6Xsg3G — Dynamite News (@DynamiteNews_) February 9, 2024 "As a distinguished scholar and statesman, Narasimha Rao Garu served India extensively in various capacities. He is equally remembered for the work he did as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Union Minister, and as a Member of Parliament and Legislative Assembly for many years," PM Modi tweeted. Hailing Rao for "fostering a new era of economic development", PM Modi said his tenure as Prime Minister was marked by significant measures that opened India to global markets. "Furthermore, his contributions to India's foreign policy, language and education sectors underscore his multifaceted legacy as a leader who not only steered India through critical transformations but also enriched its cultural and intellectual heritage," PM Modi tweeted.