Explanations:The Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award in India, established in 1954. It is awarded in recognition of exceptional service in any field, including the arts, literature, science, and public service. The award is a symbol of the highest civilian honor and is given by the President of India.
Among the recipients of the Bharat Ratna, Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan, also known as Badshah Khan or the Frontier Gandhi, holds a special place. He was a prominent Pashtun political and spiritual leader who played a significant role in the Indian independence movement. Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan was born in 1890 in present-day Pakistan and was a lifelong advocate for non-violence and social justice. He founded the Khudai Khidmatgar (Servants of God) movement, which was a non-violent resistance movement against British rule in the North-West Frontier Province (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa).
Despite his Pakistani citizenship, Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan was recognized for his contributions to India's struggle for independence and his lifelong commitment to peace and social justice. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1987, making him the first foreigner to receive this prestigious award. This recognition underscores the importance of his role in the broader context of the Indian independence movement and his enduring legacy in promoting peace and unity.
It is important to note that while Mother Teresa also received the Bharat Ratna in 1980, she was an Indian citizen at the time of her award, having renounced her Yugoslav citizenship and taken Indian citizenship in 1948. Therefore, she is not considered a foreigner in the context of the Bharat Ratna awards.
Understanding the historical context and the contributions of individuals like Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan is crucial for comprehending the significance of the Bharat Ratna and the recognition of individuals who have made substantial contributions to India, regardless of their nationality.