New Delhi, Feb 09 (UNI ) The Union Government on Friday announced India's highest civilian award Bharat Ratna to Former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao, Chaudhary Charan Singh and the father of Green Revolution, Dr M S Swaminathan.

The announcement was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his social media post on X.

Expressing delight over the announcement, PM Modi said, " PV Narasimha Rao Garu was a distinguished scholar and statesman, he 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," he added.

PM further said his visionary leadership was instrumental in making India economically advanced, laying a solid foundation for the country's prosperity and growth.

"Narasimha Rao Garu’s tenure as Prime Minister was marked by significant measures that opened India to global markets, fostering a new era of economic development"...adding that

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."

Rao was the prime minister from 1991 to 1996 and is known to be the man who heralded the economic liberalisation of India.

The Prime Minister also remembered the contribution of former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh for being honoured with Bharat Ratna.

In a social Media Post X, he said, "This honor is dedicated to his incomparable contribution to the country. Prime Minister said he had dedicated his entire life to the rights and welfare of farmers."

Modi also lauded his stand against the Emergency and said Chaudhary Charan Singh's dedication to the farmers and his commitment to democracy is inspiring to the entire nation.

Born in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut in 1902, Charan Singh served as the prime minister from July 28, 1979 to January 14, 1980.

He was first elected to the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly in 1937 from Chhaprauli. He represented the constituency in 1946, 1952, 1962 and 1967. He also served as the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh twice, first in 1967 and then in 1970.

The Prime Minister also expressed immense joy over the announcement of Bharat Ratna to father of green revolution Dr. MS Swaminathan for his monumental contributions in agriculture and farmers’ welfare.

"He played a pivotal role in helping India achieve self-reliance in agriculture during challenging times and made outstanding efforts towards modernizing Indian agriculture," he added.

Recognising his invaluable work as an innovator, PM Modi said, "Dr. Swaminathan’s visionary leadership has not only transformed Indian agriculture but also ensured the nation’s food security and prosperity."

Dr Swaminathan, a renowned scientist, is known as the architect of India's green revolution.

UNI JA KK