Read the given statements and select the correct option.

Statement I: Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and C Rajagopalachari were the first recipients of the Bharat Ratna.

Statements II: Sachin Tendulkar was the first and only cricketer awarded with Bharat Ratna till 2024.

The correct answer is Option 2.

Key Points

• Statement I is correct: The first recipients of the Bharat Ratna were C. Rajagopalachari, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, and C.V. Raman in 1954.
• Statement II is correct: Sachin Tendulkar was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 2014, and he is the first and only cricketer to receive this honor as of 2024.

Additional Information

• Bharat Ratna:
  • It is the highest civilian award in India.
  • Established in 1954, it is awarded for exceptional service towards the advancement of Art, Literature and Science, and in recognition of Public Service of the highest order.
  • The award does not carry any monetary grant but a certificate (Sanad) signed by the President and a medallion.
• Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan:
  • He was an Indian philosopher and statesman who served as the first Vice President of India and the second President of India.
  • He was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1954 for his contribution to education and philosophy.
• C. Rajagopalachari:
  • He was an Indian politician, independence activist, lawyer, writer, and statesman.
  • He was the last Governor-General of India and a founder of the Swatantra Party.
  • He was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1954 for his public service.
• Sachin Tendulkar:
  • He is a former Indian cricketer and one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket.
  • He was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 2014, making him the youngest recipient and the first sportsperson to receive the award.