2014 Bharat Ratna
VerifiedAnswer: Sachin Tendulkar, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Madan Mohan Malviya
Explanation:
In 2014, the Government of India conferred the Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian honor, upon three distinguished personalities who made exceptional contributions to their respective fields. This year was particularly significant as it recognized excellence in sports, politics, and education simultaneously.
Sachin Tendulkar became the first sportsperson to receive the Bharat Ratna at the age of 40. Known as the "Master Blaster" and "God of Cricket," Tendulkar revolutionized the game of cricket with his extraordinary batting skills. He holds numerous world records, including being the first player to score 100 international centuries and the highest run-scorer in both Test and ODI formats. His 24-year international career brought immense pride to India and inspired millions of aspiring cricketers worldwide.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the former Prime Minister of India, was recognized for his outstanding contribution to Indian politics and governance. He served as Prime Minister for three terms and was known for his exceptional oratory skills, statesmanship, and efforts toward national integration. Vajpayee played a crucial role in India's nuclear tests in 1998 and initiated several infrastructure projects including the Golden Quadrilateral highway network. His moderate approach and inclusive policies earned him respect across party lines.
Madan Mohan Malviya received the honor posthumously for his pioneering contributions to education and social reform. Known as "Mahamana," he founded the Banaras Hindu University in 1916, which became one of India's premier educational institutions. Malviya was also a freedom fighter, journalist, and social reformer who worked tirelessly for Hindu-Muslim unity and the upliftment of the underprivileged sections of society.
The 2014 Bharat Ratna awards highlighted the government's recognition of excellence across diverse fields - sports, politics, and education. These three recipients represented different eras and domains but shared a common thread of dedication to national service and bringing honor to India through their respective contributions.
