India's highest civilian award 'Bharat Ratna' established.

On 2 January 1954, The Government of India instituted two civilian awards-Bharat-Ratna & Padma Vibhushan.

This is the highest civilian award of the country.

It is awarded in recognition of exceptional service/performance of the highest order in any field of human endeavour.

It is treated on a different footing from Padma Award.

The recommendations for Bharat-Ratna are made by the Prime Minister to the President of India.
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