<P> The Bharat Ratna ( Hindi pronunciation : ( bhaːrət̪ rət̪nə ) ; Jewel of India ) is the highest civilian award of the Republic of India . Instituted in 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 2011 . The recommendations for the Bharat Ratna are made by the Prime Minister to the President , with a maximum of three nominees being awarded per year . Recipients receive a Sanad ( certificate ) signed by the President and a peepal - leaf -- shaped medallion ; there is no monetary grant associated with the award . Bharat Ratna recipients rank seventh in the Indian order of precedence . </P>
<P> The Bharat Ratna ( Hindi pronunciation : ( bhaːrət̪ rət̪nə ) ; Jewel of India ) is the highest civilian award of the Republic of India . Instituted in 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 2011 . The recommendations for the Bharat Ratna are made by the Prime Minister to the President , with a maximum of three nominees being awarded per year . Recipients receive a Sanad ( certificate ) signed by the President and a peepal - leaf -- shaped medallion ; there is no monetary grant associated with the award . Bharat Ratna recipients rank seventh in the Indian order of precedence . </P>
the bharat ratna award medal is designed in which shape
the bharat ratna award medal is designed in which shape
peepal - leaf
peepal - leaf