Sachin Tendulkar, CNR Rao get Bharat Ratna

Sachin Tendulkar, Prof CNR Rao get Bharat Ratna

The Bharat Ratna was announced after a gap of four years with Hindustani music doyen Bhimsen Joshi being the last recipient in 2009.

Sachin Tendulkar, Prof CNR Rao get Bharat Ratna

The recipient receives a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion. It does not carry any monetary grant.

Sachin Tendulkar, Prof CNR Rao get Bharat Ratna

The award winner can use mention as `Awarded Bharat Ratna by the President` or `Recipient of Bharat Ratna Award` in their bio-datas, letter head or visiting cards.

Sachin Tendulkar, Prof CNR Rao get Bharat Ratna

There have been continuous demands for a long time for Tendulkar to be conferred the top honour and the eligibility criteria for it was revised last year to accommodate sportspersons as well.

Sachin Tendulkar, Prof CNR Rao get Bharat Ratna

Union Home Ministry has came out with guidelines about Bharat Ratna saying the award cannot be used as a prefix or suffix to the recipient`s name under the Constitution.

Sachin Tendulkar, Prof CNR Rao get Bharat Ratna

An official statement had said Tendulkar has been a true Ambassador of India in the world of sports and his achievements in cricket are unparallelled.

Sachin Tendulkar, Prof CNR Rao get Bharat Ratna

Tendulkar has played cricket across the world and won laurels for the country during the last 24 years since a young age of 16.

Sachin Tendulkar, Prof CNR Rao get Bharat Ratna

Tendulkar, a former India Captain, was chosen for the prestigious award, after his farewell 200th Test against the West Indies in Mumbai on November 16, 2013.

Sachin Tendulkar, Prof CNR Rao get Bharat Ratna

Prof Chintamani Nagesa Ramachandra Rao is the third scientist after C V Raman and former President A P J Abdul Kalam to be conferred with the Bharat Ratna.

Sachin Tendulkar, Prof CNR Rao get Bharat Ratna

A proud moment for Sachin's family as well. Wife Anjali and daughter Sarah watch on with pride.

Sachin Tendulkar, Prof CNR Rao get Bharat Ratna

Tendulkar (40) and Rao (79), both of whom are recipients of Padma Vibhushan -- the country`s second highest civilian honour, join a list of 41 eminent personalities.

Sachin Tendulkar, Prof CNR Rao get Bharat Ratna

Master batsman Tendulkar, who retired from international cricket on November 16 last year, is the first sportsman to be bestowed with the honour.

Sachin Tendulkar, Prof CNR Rao get Bharat Ratna

"I dedicate this Bharat Ratna award to my mother and to all the mothers of India. I would also like to congratulate Prof CNR Rao for being awarded," said Sachin.

Sachin Tendulkar, Prof CNR Rao get Bharat Ratna

After President Pranab Mukherjee's arrival, the national anthem was played out at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.