1 / 8Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award of the Republic of India. Instituted on 2 January 1954, the award is conferred in recognition of 'exceptional service/performance of the highest order', without distinction of race, occupation, position, or sex. The award was originally limited to achievements in the arts, literature, science, and public services, but the government expanded the criteria to include 'any field of human endeavour' in December 20112 / 8The Government of India awarded Dhondo Keshav Karve with the highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, in 1958, the year of his 100th birthday.3 / 8Pandurang Vaman Kane was awarded Bharat Ratna in 1963.4 / 8Vinoba Bhave was awarded the Bharat Ratna posthumously in 19835 / 8In 1990, the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, was posthumously conferred on Ambedkar.6 / 8 In 2001, in recognition of her contributions to the nation, Lata Mangeshkar was awarded the Bharat Ratna, 7 / 8Bhimsen Joshi was one of the greatest Indian vocalists from Karnataka he received the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour, in 2009.8 / 8A few hours after the end of his last match in November 2013, the Prime Minister's Office announced the decision to award him the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award.