Prez confers Bharat Ratna on Master Blaster
New Delhi: Iconic cricketer Sachin Tendulkar said that he will “continue to bat for India” in all spheres of life in his endeavour to bring smiles to the faces of the common people.
“I will continue to bat for India even though my cricket has stopped, but I will continue to bat for India and try my best to give people of India a reason to smile,” Tendulkar told reporters after being conferred Bharat Ratna by President Pranab Mukherjee here on Tuesday.
“It’s the biggest honour for me and I am extremely delighted on receiving Bharat Ratna,” he said.
“I am extremely proud to be born in this beautiful nation and I would like to express my gratitude to all the love, affection and support I have received for number of years.”
Tendulkar, 40, and eminent scientist Prof CNR Rao were presented the honours at a brief function at Rashtrapati Bhavan’s Durbar Hall attended by Vice President Hamid Ansari, Union ministers, Sachin’s wife Anjali, daughter Sara and a host of dignitaries.
Master batsman Tendulkar, who retired from international cricket on November 16 last year, is the first sportsman to be bestowed with the honour.
“I would like to reiterate what I said a couple of months ago that this recognition, award I would like to dedicate this to my mother and along with her all the mothers in India who sacrifice their wishes, aspirations for their children so that their dreams come true,” Tendulkar said.
He also congratulated Prof Rao for motivating youngsters to become scientists.
“I would like to congratulate Professor CNR Rao for the Bharat Ratna. He has been instrumental in motivating and inspiring youth of India to become scientists. I wish him all the happiness and good health.”
The two joined the list of 41 eminent personalities who have been given the Bharat Ratna in recognition of their contribution to society.
It was a brief ceremony that lasted six and a half minutes. Mukherjee entered the historic Durbar Hall at exactly 12 noon to honour Rao and Tendulkar.
The government last year changed the nomination criteria for Bharat Ratna to include sportspersons.
Legendary hockey player Dhyan Chand was also recommended for the award, but Tendulkar was chosen.
BCCI vice president and Union Minister Rajeev Shukla said Tendulkar is the “most deserving person” to win the Bharat Ratna and thanked the UPA government for bestowing the honour on the batting legend.
“I was extremely delighted to witness the most deserving person being bestowed with the Bharat Ratna award today,” said Shukla, who was present during the occasion.
“Despite his iconic stature, Sachin Tendulkar is simply one of the most humble people you would ever come across. His phenomenal records, longevity and the unparallelled dedication he had towards his craft clearly establishes the fact that his coveted records cannot be broken for another 100 years.
Meanwhile, Union Minister and Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association President Farooq Abdullah said conferring Bharat Ratna to Tendulkar was a big day for cricket as he made India shine in the game.
“It is big day for cricket. Today big people including one top scientist and another Sachin Tendulkar are getting Bharat Ratna,” Abdullah told reporters in Jammu.
Abdullah awarded Parveez Rasool-led Ranji team of Jammu and Kashmir here today.
“Farooq gave away momentos and cheques worth Rs 35 lakh to players and team officials for their best performance in reaching to quarterfinals in Ranji last year,” JKCA Press and Media in-charge Ranjeet Kalra said.
“The day was chosen keeping in mind the significance of the day as Sachin was awarded with Bharat Ratna by President today,” Kalra said. (PTI)