New Delhi: : Former Persident Pranab Mukherjeehas been awarded the Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian honour. Indian President Ram Nath Kovind will confer Bharat Ratna to former President Pranab Mukherjee along with eminent social activist Nanaji Deshmukh (posthumously) and late Assamese singer Dr Bhupen Hazarika.

"The President has been pleased to award Bharat Ratna to Nanaji Deshmukh (posthumously), Dr Bhupen Hazarika (posthumously), and former President Dr Pranab Mukherjee." The statement issued by Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Mukherjee for his contribution to the Indian politics through Twitter. The Tweet reads, "Pranab Da is an outstanding statesman of our times. He has served the nation selflessly and tirelessly for decades, leaving a strong imprint on the nation's growth trajectory. His wisdom and intellect have few parallels. Delighted that he has been conferred the Bharat Ratna." The PM also praised Bhupen Hazarika for his rich contribution to the Indian music and said that his songs and music are admired by people across generations. 

Pranab Mukherjee served as the 13th President of India from 2012 until 2017 and in a political career spanning five decades he occupied several ministerial portfolios in the Congress government