Bharat Ratna

The "Bharat Ratna" was instituted on January 2nd, 1954 as the highest civilian decoration of India. It is being regarded as an order without any right of entitlement.

The decoration is awarded for extraordinary merit or activity of the highest order, without any regards to race, profession or sexe. At first the decoration was only awarded for merit in arts, literature, science and public service. As from December 2011 the decoration can be awarded for merit in any human endeavour.

A recommendation is being done by the prime minister to the president wit a maximum of three each year.