In the midst of raging controversy over the nomination for Bharat Ratna, the Government on Tuesday confirmed that it has received recommendation for conferring the award on hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand and the same has been forwarded to the Prime Minister’s Office.
Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award of the country and is awarded in recognition of exceptional service or performance of highest order in fields of human behaviour.
“Although no formal recommendations for Bharat Ratna are necessary, the recommendations have been received for Bharat Ratna to late Major Dhyan Chand from several quarters. These recommendations have been forwarded to the Prime Minister’s Office,” Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju said in reply to a written query in the lok Sabha.
Recently, speculation has been rife that Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and hockey legend Dhyan Chand may get the coveted award this year.
The speculation has been fuelled by the Home Ministry placing an order of five Bharat Ratna medallions. The recent recipients of the award include cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and renowned scientist CNR Rao.