Context:
Telangana Chief Minister demands Bharat Ratna for Maharashtra’s social reformer and folk poet Anna Bhau Sathe.
About Anna Bhau Sathe:
- Social reformer, folk poet and writer.
- Dalit born into untouchable Matang community.
- Known as ‘Lokshayar’ (People’s poet)
- Recognized as a founding father of “Dalit Literature”
- Played a significant role in the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement.
- Formed Dalit YuvakSangh(cultural group)
- Wrote first ballad – ‘Spanish Povada’
About Matang (Mang) community:
- Primarily concentrated state – Maharashtra
- Known as Madiga “kommati” in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka
- Listed under Scheduled Caste
- Had an important place in Vethbigar, Balutedar and Vatandar systems of land settlements.
About Bharat Ratna:
- Highest civilian award of India.
- Established in 1954.
- Conferred as recognition of remarkable service in any sphere of human endeavour, regardless of race, career, status, or sex.
- Maximum 3 awards per year.
- Nomination must be made by the Prime Minister.
- Receives a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion.
- People of any nationality are eligible to receive the award.
- No monetary grant associated with the award.
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements in respect of Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards:
- Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards are titled under Article 18(1) of ‘the Constitution of India.
- Padma Awards, which were instituted in the year 1954, were suspended only once.
- The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of five in a particular year.
Which of the above statements are not correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2021 Prelims]
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Practice Question