CBSE Class 6 General Knowledge

Unit 8: Current Affairs & General Awareness

Lesson: Bharat Ratna Awardees

📘 Study Module: Bharat Ratna Awardees

1. Introduction

The Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award of India. It is given to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the nation. The award recognises service in fields such as art, literature, science, public service, and social work.

2. Meaning of Bharat Ratna

Bharat Ratna means “Jewel of India.” It is awarded for the highest level of service to the country. The award shows the nation’s respect and gratitude towards great achievers.

3. Fields of Contribution

The Bharat Ratna is awarded for contributions in various fields. These include national service, education, science, literature, arts, and social reform. It is not limited to any one profession.

4. First Bharat Ratna Awardees

The first Bharat Ratna awards were given in 1954. The initial recipients were leaders and thinkers who contributed greatly to the nation. This marked the beginning of India’s highest civilian honour.

5. Famous Bharat Ratna Awardees

Many great Indians have received the Bharat Ratna. They include national leaders, scientists, artists, and social reformers. Their work has had a lasting impact on the country.

6. Posthumous Bharat Ratna Awards

The Bharat Ratna can also be given after a person’s death. Such awards honour individuals whose contributions continue to inspire people. This shows respect for lifelong service.

7. Importance of Bharat Ratna Awardees

Awardees serve as role models for society. They inspire young people to work hard and serve the nation. Their lives teach values such as dedication, honesty, and patriotism.

8. Bharat Ratna and National Pride

The award strengthens national pride. It highlights India’s achievements through its citizens. Celebrating awardees helps preserve national history.

9. Learning About Bharat Ratna Awardees

Knowing about Bharat Ratna awardees improves general awareness. It helps students learn about great personalities. It is important for exams and competitions.

📝 Questions and Answers

A. Short Answer Questions

(One sentence each)

1. What is the Bharat Ratna?
   Answer: Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award of India.
2. What does Bharat Ratna mean?
   Answer: Bharat Ratna means “Jewel of India.”
3. Who gives the Bharat Ratna award?
   Answer: The Government of India gives the Bharat Ratna award.
4. In which year was the Bharat Ratna started?
   Answer: The Bharat Ratna was started in 1954.
5. Name one field in which Bharat Ratna is awarded.
   Answer: Bharat Ratna is awarded in public service.
6. Can Bharat Ratna be given after death?
   Answer: Yes, Bharat Ratna can be given posthumously.
7. Is Bharat Ratna given every year?
   Answer: No, it is not given every year.
8. Why is Bharat Ratna important?
   Answer: It honours exceptional national service.
9. Are Bharat Ratna awardees role models?
   Answer: Yes, they inspire society.
10. Does Bharat Ratna promote national pride?
    Answer: Yes, it promotes national pride.

B. Long Answer Questions

(3–5 sentences each)

11. Explain the importance of the Bharat Ratna award.
    Answer: The Bharat Ratna recognises exceptional service to the nation. It honours individuals who have made great contributions. The award inspires citizens. It promotes national pride.
12. Describe the meaning of Bharat Ratna.
    Answer: Bharat Ratna means Jewel of India. It shows the highest respect. It is awarded for outstanding service. It symbolises national honour.
13. Who were the first recipients of the Bharat Ratna?
    Answer: The first recipients were honoured in 1954. They were leaders and thinkers. Their work shaped the nation. They set high standards.
14. Write about fields in which Bharat Ratna is awarded.
    Answer: The award is given in many fields. These include science, art, and public service. Social service is also recognised. It is not limited to one field.
15. What is a posthumous Bharat Ratna award?
    Answer: It is given after a person’s death. It honours lifelong contribution. The nation shows respect. The legacy continues.
16. How do Bharat Ratna awardees inspire students?
    Answer: They act as role models. Students learn values. Hard work is encouraged. Patriotism grows.
17. Why is Bharat Ratna not given every year?
    Answer: It is given only for exceptional service. Not every year has suitable recipients. This maintains the award’s prestige.
18. How does Bharat Ratna help preserve history?
    Answer: It honours great personalities. Their contributions are remembered. National history is preserved.
19. What values are promoted by Bharat Ratna awardees?
    Answer: Dedication and honesty are promoted. Service to the nation is valued. Excellence is encouraged.
20. Why should students learn about Bharat Ratna awardees?
    Answer: It improves general knowledge. It helps in exams. Students learn about great Indians.

🧠 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

(With Answers and Detailed Explanations)

1. Bharat Ratna is the ______ award of India.
   a) highest civilian
   b) highest military
   c) sports
   d) literary
   Answer: a) highest civilian
   Explanation: It is the top civilian honour.
2. Bharat Ratna was started in ______.
   a) 1947
   b) 1950
   c) 1954
   d) 1960
   Answer: c) 1954
   Explanation: The award began in 1954.
3. Bharat Ratna means ______.
   a) Star of India
   b) Pride of India
   c) Jewel of India
   d) Honour of India
   Answer: c) Jewel of India
   Explanation: This is its literal meaning.
4. Who gives the Bharat Ratna award?
   a) President of India
   b) Prime Minister only
   c) Government of India
   d) Parliament
   Answer: c) Government of India
   Explanation: It is a national award.
5. Bharat Ratna is given for ______.
   a) sports only
   b) cinema only
   c) exceptional service
   d) teaching only
   Answer: c) exceptional service
   Explanation: Outstanding service is recognised.
6. Can Bharat Ratna be awarded after death?
   a) No
   b) Yes
   c) Sometimes
   d) Rarely
   Answer: b) Yes
   Explanation: Posthumous awards are allowed.
7. Bharat Ratna awardees are ______.
   a) punished
   b) honoured
   c) fined
   d) ignored
   Answer: b) honoured
   Explanation: They receive national honour.
8. Bharat Ratna is given ______.
   a) every year
   b) every month
   c) only when suitable
   d) weekly
   Answer: c) only when suitable
   Explanation: It is not annual.
9. Which field can receive Bharat Ratna?
   a) Science
   b) Arts
   c) Public service
   d) All of these
   Answer: d) All of these
   Explanation: Many fields are eligible.
10. Bharat Ratna awardees bring ______ to the nation.
    a) fear
    b) pride
    c) confusion
    d) loss
    Answer: b) pride
    Explanation: They make the nation proud.
11. Bharat Ratna award promotes ______.
    a) dishonesty
    b) excellence
    c) fear
    d) laziness
    Answer: b) excellence
    Explanation: Excellence is recognised.
12. Learning about awardees improves ______.
    a) stress
    b) general knowledge
    c) fear
    d) laziness
    Answer: b) general knowledge
    Explanation: Awareness increases.
13. Bharat Ratna is related to ______.
    a) national service
    b) punishment
    c) exams
    d) taxes
    Answer: a) national service
    Explanation: Service to the nation is key.
14. Bharat Ratna awardees are examples of ______.
    a) failure
    b) role models
    c) confusion
    d) punishment
    Answer: b) role models
    Explanation: They inspire others.
15. Which is true about Bharat Ratna?
    a) Given every year
    b) Given for sports only
    c) Highest civilian award
    d) Given by schools
    Answer: c) Highest civilian award
    Explanation: It is India’s top civilian honour.
16. Bharat Ratna honours ______.
    a) ordinary work
    b) exceptional contribution
    c) mistakes
    d) entertainment
    Answer: b) exceptional contribution
    Explanation: Only outstanding service is honoured.
17. Bharat Ratna award helps preserve ______.
    a) pollution
    b) national history
    c) fear
    d) noise
    Answer: b) national history
    Explanation: Contributions are remembered.
18. Bharat Ratna inspires ______.
    a) citizens
    b) enemies
    c) pollution
    d) laziness
    Answer: a) citizens
    Explanation: Citizens feel motivated.
19. Bharat Ratna awardees serve as ______.
    a) teachers only
    b) leaders only
    c) role models
    d) critics
    Answer: c) role models
    Explanation: They guide society.
20. Knowing about Bharat Ratna helps in ______.
    a) confusion
    b) examinations
    c) fear
    d) stress
    Answer: b) examinations
    Explanation: It is useful for GK exams.

✅ End of Lesson

Prepared strictly in accordance with the NCERT syllabus and CBSE Class 6 examination standards.