Bharat Ratna for Pranab Mukherjee, Nanaji Deshmukh, Bhupen Hazarika

New Delhi: The government on Friday announced Bharat Ratna for former President Pranab Mukherjee, Bharatiya Jana Sangh ideologue Nanaji Deshmukh and eminent Assamese poet Bhupen Hazarika.

"Pranab Da is an outstanding statesman of our times. He has served the nation selflessly and tirelessly for decades, leaving a strong imprint on the nation's growth trajectory. His wisdom and intellect have few parallels. Delighted that he has been conferred the Bharat Ratna," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a Tweet.

In another tweet, Modoi said, "The songs and music of Bhupen Hazarika are admired by people across generations. From them radiates the message of justice, harmony and brotherhood. He popularised India's musical traditions globally. Happy that the Bharat Ratna has been conferred on Bhupen Da."

Calling Nanaji Deshmukh as a Bharat Ratna in truest sense, PM Modi said, "Nanaji Deshmukh's stellar contribution towards rural development showed the way for a new paradigm of empowering those living in our villages. He personifies humility, compassion and service to the downtrodden. He is a Bharat Ratna in the truest sense!"

President Kovind also will confer Padma Shri to 94 people including veteran actor Kader Khan (posthumously), actor Manoj Bajpayee, footballer Sunil Chhetri, choreographer/director Prabhu Deva, cricketer Gautam Gambhir, singer Shankar Mahadevan and freestyle wrestler Bajrang Punia.