CNR Rao, an outspoken scientist, gets Bharat Ratna

New Delhi: The news of eminent scientist Prof C.N.R. Rao being conferred with Bharat Ratna might have gone unnoticed by many amid the celebration over cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar's achievement. However, no one can deny the fact that Rao is a well-known authority in the science world.

The Master Blaster and the eminent scientist were chosen for Bharat Ratna with the batting maestro, who retired from international cricket on Saturday, being the first sportsman to be bestowed with the country's highest civilian honour.

An outspoken scientist, Prof Chintamani Nagesa Ramachandra Rao is a well recognised international authority on solid state and materials chemistry who has published over 1,400 research papers and 45 books.

Tendulkar(40) and Rao(79), both of whom are recipients of Padma Vibhushan - the country's second highest civilian honour, join a list of 41 eminent personalities to get the award given in recognition of exceptional service of the highest order since it was instituted in 1954.

C.N. R. Rao is the third scientist after C.V. Raman and former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam to be given the Bharat Ratna. Speaking to media, Rao termed the award as recognition to science and credited his wife Indumathi, family and his students on the achievement.

"I am very grateful that the country has recognised my efforts. I hope that this encourages more youngsters to take up science," Rao said.

Prof Rao's contributions have been recognised by most major scientific academies around the world through conferment of memberships and fellowships and has been honoured with several national and international awards, the official announcement said.

He currently serves as the Head of the Scientific Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India.

The Bharat Ratna was announced after a gap of four years with Hindustani music doyen Bhimsen Joshi being the last recipient in 2009.

PM speaks to Tendulkar, CNR Rao, congratulates them for Bharat Ratna

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday spoke to Sachin Tendulkar to congratulate him for being chosen for the Bharat Ratna - the highest civilian award in the country. Singh, who made the telephone call to Tendulkar soon after the announcement of the award, wished him many more years of contribution to sports, PMO sources said.

The Prime Minister also called up eminent scientist C.N.R. Rao who has also been awarded the Bharat Ratna. While congratulating him, Singh wished him many more years of service to the field of science, they said.