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12 Feb 2024·Source: The Indian Express
3 min
Polity & GovernancePolity & GovernanceNEWS

PM Museum to Display Replicas of Morarji Desai's Awards

Gujarat Vidyapith to provide replicas of Morarji Desai's awards to PM Museum.

The Prime Minister's Museum is set to receive replicas of the Nishan-e-Pakistan and Bharat Ratna awards conferred upon former Prime Minister Morarji Desai. Gujarat Vidyapith, an institution founded by Mahatma Gandhi, will provide these replicas, which include personal items of Desai donated to the institution in 1961.

The awards and items will be displayed to honor Desai's contributions and legacy. The Nishan-e-Pakistan is Pakistan's highest civilian award, while the Bharat Ratna is India's highest civilian award.

Key Facts

1.

The Prime Minister's Museum will display replicas of Morarji Desai's awards.

2.

Gujarat Vidyapith will provide the replicas.

3.

The replicas include the Nishan-e-Pakistan and Bharat Ratna.

4.

Personal items of Desai donated in 1961 will also be displayed.

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper I (History): Contributions of Morarji Desai, role of Gujarat Vidyapith

2.

GS Paper II (Polity): Significance of civilian awards, India-Pakistan relations

3.

GS Paper IV (Ethics): Morarji Desai's values and principles

Visual Insights

Locations Related to the News

This map highlights the locations associated with the news: New Delhi (Prime Minister's Museum) and Ahmedabad (Gujarat Vidyapith).

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📍Delhi📍Gujarat
More Information

Background

The Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, was established in 1954. It is awarded for exceptional service towards advancement of Art, Literature and Science, and in recognition of Public Service of the highest order. The award is conferred by the President of India. There is no formal nomination process; recommendations are made by the Prime Minister to the President. The Nishan-e-Pakistan is the highest civilian award of Pakistan. It is awarded for those who have rendered services of highest distinction to the State of Pakistan. While primarily awarded to Pakistani citizens, it can also be conferred upon foreign nationals who have made significant contributions to Pakistan. Like the Bharat Ratna, the Nishan-e-Pakistan is a symbol of national recognition and gratitude. Morarji Desai was the only Indian to receive Nishan-e-Pakistan. He served as the Prime Minister of India from 1977 to 1979. Desai was a strong advocate for peace and improved relations between India and Pakistan. His efforts to foster goodwill and understanding between the two nations led to him being honored with Pakistan's highest civilian award. This award reflects the importance of diplomacy and cross-border cooperation in promoting regional stability.

Latest Developments

The establishment of the Prime Minister's Museum is a recent initiative to honor the legacies of all former Prime Ministers of India. It aims to provide insights into their contributions and leadership during their tenures. The museum showcases personal belongings, historical documents, and significant achievements of each Prime Minister. The decision by Gujarat Vidyapith to donate replicas of Morarji Desai's awards and personal items to the Prime Minister's Museum highlights the importance of preserving and showcasing historical artifacts. Gujarat Vidyapith, founded by Mahatma Gandhi, has a long history of promoting education and social reform. The donation reflects the institution's commitment to honoring Desai's legacy and making it accessible to the public. Displaying these awards and items in the museum will provide visitors with a deeper understanding of Morarji Desai's life, work, and his efforts to promote peace and cooperation between India and Pakistan. It also underscores the significance of civilian awards in recognizing exceptional contributions to society and international relations.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key facts about the display of Morarji Desai's awards for the UPSC Prelims exam?

The Prime Minister's Museum will display replicas of Morarji Desai's Nishan-e-Pakistan and Bharat Ratna awards. Gujarat Vidyapith, founded by Mahatma Gandhi, will provide these replicas, along with Desai's personal items donated in 1961. Remember that the Nishan-e-Pakistan is Pakistan's highest civilian award, and the Bharat Ratna is India's highest civilian award.

Exam Tip

Focus on the awards' names and the institutions involved (PM Museum, Gujarat Vidyapith).

2. What is the significance of the Bharat Ratna and Nishan-e-Pakistan awards?

The Bharat Ratna is India's highest civilian award, established in 1954, awarded for exceptional service towards advancement of Art, Literature and Science, and in recognition of Public Service of the highest order. The Nishan-e-Pakistan is Pakistan's highest civilian award. Both awards represent the highest form of recognition a nation can bestow upon an individual.

3. Why is the display of Morarji Desai's awards in the Prime Minister's Museum newsworthy?

The display is newsworthy because it highlights the legacy of a former Prime Minister and showcases items of historical and national importance. It also emphasizes the role of the Prime Minister's Museum as a repository of India's political history and leadership.

4. How might the display of Nishan-e-Pakistan, awarded to Morarji Desai, be viewed in the context of India-Pakistan relations?

The display could be viewed as a reminder of past efforts to foster goodwill and cooperation between India and Pakistan. It highlights a period when relations were perceived to be improving, despite the complex history between the two nations. It can also be seen as a symbol of individual achievement transcending political boundaries.

5. What is the purpose of the Prime Minister's Museum, and how does this event contribute to its objectives?

The Prime Minister's Museum aims to honor the legacies of all former Prime Ministers of India and provide insights into their contributions and leadership. Displaying Morarji Desai's awards and personal items directly supports this objective by showcasing his life, work, and achievements during his tenure.

6. What is the significance of Gujarat Vidyapith's role in providing the replicas of Morarji Desai's awards?

Gujarat Vidyapith, founded by Mahatma Gandhi, holds historical significance. Its involvement in providing the replicas connects Desai's legacy to Gandhian values and principles. It also highlights the institution's commitment to preserving and promoting the memory of important figures in Indian history.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Bharat Ratna: 1. It is India's highest civilian award. 2. Recommendations for the award are made by a committee headed by the Chief Justice of India. 3. The award was established in 1954. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.1 and 3 only
  • C.2 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Bharat Ratna is indeed India's highest civilian award, established to recognize exceptional service towards the advancement of Art, Literature and Science, and in recognition of Public Service of the highest order. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: Recommendations for the Bharat Ratna are made by the Prime Minister to the President, not by a committee headed by the Chief Justice of India. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The Bharat Ratna was established in 1954.

2. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Nishan-e-Pakistan? 1. It is the highest civilian award of Pakistan. 2. It is exclusively awarded to Pakistani citizens. 3. Morarji Desai is the only Indian to have received this award. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  • A.1 only
  • B.1 and 3 only
  • C.2 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is CORRECT: Nishan-e-Pakistan is indeed the highest civilian award of Pakistan. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: While primarily awarded to Pakistani citizens, it can also be conferred upon foreign nationals who have made significant contributions to Pakistan. Statement 3 is CORRECT: Morarji Desai is the only Indian to have received the Nishan-e-Pakistan.

3. The Prime Minister's Museum, recently in news, aims to:

  • A.Showcase the history of Indian cinema
  • B.Honor the legacies of all former Prime Ministers of India
  • C.Promote tourism in Gujarat
  • D.Preserve ancient artifacts from the Indus Valley Civilization
Show Answer

Answer: B

The Prime Minister's Museum is a recent initiative to honor the legacies of all former Prime Ministers of India. It aims to provide insights into their contributions and leadership during their tenures. The museum showcases personal belongings, historical documents, and significant achievements of each Prime Minister.

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