Who Was the First Musician to Receive the Bharat Ratna Award?
Bharat Ratna which is India’s highest civilian award awarded to the exceptional individuals who have made the outstanding contributions for the nation. Do you know in the field of music, who was the first recipient of the Bharat Ratna?
M. S. Subbulakshmi was the first musician in the country to receive the prestigious Bharat Ratna, she was one of the greatest Carnatic vocalist in the Indian history.
She received the Bharat Ratna in the year 1998 and becoming the first musician and the first classical singer to be honored with the India’s highest civilian award.
M. S. Subbulakshmi was one of the most celebrated figures in the Indian classical music. She was born in Madurai and she displayed the extraordinary musical talent from an early age and gave her first public performance at just eleven years of age.
She was known for her melodious voice and devotional renditions and she became a global ambassador of Indian classical music.
Her performances of the devotional compositions such as Vishnu Sahasranamam, Bhaja Govindam and Venkateswara Suprabhatam remain popular among the listeners.
M. S. Subbulakshmi was conferred the Bharat Ratna on 14th January on 1998 by then President K. R. Narayanan at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.
This award recognized her unparalleled contribution to the Indian music and culture over several decades.
Why Was She Awarded the Bharat Ratna?
M. S. Subbulakshmi earned the honour because of her remarkable achievements in the music and public service.
| Achievement Name | Year Recognized |
| First Indian musician to perform at the United Nations General Assembly | 1966 |
| Ramon Magsaysay Award | 1974 |
| Padma Bhushan | 1954 |
| Padma Vibhushan | 1975 |
| Bharat Ratna | 1998 |
Her rendition of the “Maithreem Bhajatha” at the United Nations (UN) became an iconic symbol of the peace and harmony.
After the M. S. Subbulakshmi, several eminent musicians also received the Bharat Ratna.
| Musician Name | Year | Field |
| M. S. Subbulakshmi | 1998 | Carnatic Classical Vocal |
| Ravi Shankar | 1999 | Hindustani Classical (Sitar) |
| Bismillah Khan | 2001 | Shehnai |
| Lata Mangeshkar | 2001 | Playback Singing |
| Bhimsen Joshi | 2009 | Hindustani Classical Vocal |
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