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12 Feb 2026·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.

PM Museum to Display Replicas of Morarji Desai's Awards

Photo by Anthony Fomin

The Prime Minister's Museum will receive replicas of Morarji Desai's Nishan-e-Pakistan and Bharat Ratna awards from Gujarat Vidyapith. These replicas will be added to the museum's collection, showcasing Desai's achievements and contributions. The gesture highlights the historical and cultural significance of the awards and Desai's legacy.

Key Facts

1.

The Prime Minister's Museum will receive replicas of Morarji Desai's Nishan-e-Pakistan and Bharat Ratna awards.

2.

Gujarat Vidyapith is providing the replicas.

3.

The awards will be added to the museum's collection.

4.

Morarji Desai's achievements and contributions will be showcased.

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper I (History): Contribution of prominent personalities

2.

GS Paper II (Polity): Significance of national awards

3.

GS Paper IV (Ethics): Values and ethics in public life

Visual Insights

Morarji Desai's Political Journey

Key events in Morarji Desai's life leading to the PM Museum display.

Morarji Desai's political career spanned from the independence movement to becoming India's first non-Congress PM. His awards reflect his contributions to both India and Pakistan.

  • 1957Nishan-e-Pakistan established
  • 1975Emergency imposed in India; Desai imprisoned
  • 1977Morarji Desai becomes the first non-Congress PM
  • 1979Desai resigns as PM
  • 1991Morarji Desai awarded Bharat Ratna
  • 2024Replicas of Desai's awards to be displayed at PM Museum
More Information

Background

The Bharat Ratna is India's highest civilian honour, awarded for exceptional service towards the advancement of Art, Literature and Science, and in recognition of Public Service of the highest order. It was established in 1954, and the first recipients were C. Rajagopalachari, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, and C. V. Raman. 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, given for outstanding services to the country. It is conferred on individuals, both Pakistani and foreign nationals, who have made significant contributions to Pakistan. The award was instituted in 1957. Morarji Desai is the only Indian to have received this award. The significance of civilian awards lies in their recognition of exceptional contributions to society. These awards often reflect the values and priorities of the nation, highlighting individuals who have made a lasting impact in various fields. The process of selection and conferment of these awards is often a matter of public interest and scrutiny, reflecting the importance placed on recognizing merit and service.

Latest Developments

The establishment and maintenance of museums like the Prime Minister's Museum are part of a broader effort to preserve and showcase national heritage. These museums serve as educational resources, providing insights into the lives and contributions of prominent figures in Indian history. Recent trends in museum management include increased use of technology for interactive exhibits and a focus on making museums more accessible to diverse audiences.

The repatriation and display of historical artifacts and awards are often subject to diplomatic considerations and cultural exchange agreements. The process of acquiring replicas, as in the case of Morarji Desai's awards, involves coordination between institutions and adherence to established protocols for preservation and display. The decision to display these replicas reflects a commitment to presenting a comprehensive and balanced portrayal of historical figures and events.

Looking ahead, museums are expected to play an increasingly important role in promoting cultural understanding and national identity. This involves continuous efforts to update collections, incorporate new technologies, and engage with communities through outreach programs and educational initiatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key facts about Morarji Desai's awards being displayed in the PM Museum, relevant for UPSC Prelims?

The Prime Minister's Museum will receive replicas of Morarji Desai's Nishan-e-Pakistan and Bharat Ratna awards from Gujarat Vidyapith. These replicas will be added to the museum's collection to showcase Desai's achievements and contributions. Remember that the Bharat Ratna is India's highest civilian honor.

Exam Tip

Focus on the awards and the institution providing the replicas. Knowing that Bharat Ratna is India's highest civilian award is crucial.

2. What is the significance of displaying replicas of awards like Bharat Ratna and Nishan-e-Pakistan in the Prime Minister's Museum?

Displaying these replicas highlights the historical and cultural significance of the awards and Morarji Desai's legacy. It serves as an educational resource, providing insights into the life and contributions of a prominent figure in Indian history, promoting national heritage.

3. Why is the PM Museum in news recently regarding Morarji Desai's awards?

The PM Museum is in the news because it will receive replicas of Morarji Desai's Nishan-e-Pakistan and Bharat Ratna awards from Gujarat Vidyapith. This addition to the museum's collection aims to showcase Desai's achievements and contributions to the nation.

4. What are the key aspects of the Bharat Ratna award that a UPSC aspirant should know?

The Bharat Ratna is India's highest civilian honour, awarded for exceptional service towards the advancement of Art, Literature and Science, and in recognition of Public Service of the highest order. It was established in 1954. There is no formal nomination process; recommendations are made by the Prime Minister to the President.

  • Highest civilian honour
  • Awarded for exceptional service
  • Established in 1954
  • Recommendations made by the Prime Minister

Exam Tip

Remember the year of establishment and the fields for which the award is given.

5. How does displaying Morarji Desai's awards in the PM Museum impact common citizens?

The display provides an opportunity for common citizens to learn about the life, work, and achievements of Morarji Desai, fostering a sense of national pride and historical awareness. It also promotes understanding of the significance of national awards and their recipients.

6. What are the recent developments in museum management that are relevant in the context of the Prime Minister's Museum?

Recent trends in museum management include increased use of technology for interactive exhibits and a focus on visitor engagement. Museums are also focusing on making their collections more accessible and relevant to a wider audience through digital platforms and educational programs.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Bharat Ratna award: 1. It is India's highest civilian honour. 2. Recommendations for the award are made by a committee constituted by the President. 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 honour, awarded for exceptional service. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: Recommendations are made by the Prime Minister to the President, not by a committee. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The award was established in 1954. Therefore, only statements 1 and 3 are correct.

2. Which of the following statements is correct regarding the Nishan-e-Pakistan award?

  • A.It is the highest military award of Pakistan.
  • B.It is exclusively awarded to Pakistani citizens.
  • C.Morarji Desai is the only Indian to have received this award.
  • D.It is awarded for achievements in sports only.
Show Answer

Answer: C

Option C is correct: Morarji Desai is indeed the only Indian to have received the Nishan-e-Pakistan, the highest civilian award of Pakistan. Option A is incorrect: It is the highest CIVILIAN award, not military. Option B is incorrect: It can be awarded to both Pakistani and foreign nationals. Option D is incorrect: It is awarded for outstanding services to the country, not just sports.

3. The Prime Minister's Museum aims to:

  • A.Showcase only the achievements of the current Prime Minister.
  • B.Display replicas of awards received by all former Prime Ministers.
  • C.Provide insights into the lives and contributions of all former Prime Ministers.
  • D.Focus solely on the political careers of former Prime Ministers.
Show Answer

Answer: C

Option C is correct: The Prime Minister's Museum aims to provide insights into the lives and contributions of all former Prime Ministers, showcasing their achievements and legacies. Options A, B, and D are incorrect as they present a limited or inaccurate view of the museum's purpose.

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