PM congratulates Prof. Rao, Tendulkar for getting Bharat Ratna

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday congratulated eminent scientist Professor C.N.R. Rao and cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar on their being conferred the Bharat Ratna.

Prime Minister Dr. Singh telephoned Prof. Rao and wished him many more years of continued service to nation and the world of science.

He spoke to Sachin Tendulkar and wished him all success in what he chooses to do after his retirement, and he hoped that Tendulkar would continue his association with the world of sport, and the people and renew his service to the nation.

Earlier in the day, the government announced that cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and eminent scientist Professor C.N.R. Rao will be awarded the Bharat Ratna for their contributions to their respective fields.

The announcement was made through a press note issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan here.

Tendulkar, who retired today after playing his last and 200th Test, becomes the first sportsperson to get the country's highest civilian award.

The announcement of the award has been described by one and all as a timely and befitting tribute to the legendary player, who has contributed immensely to the game of cricket. They said that it was appropriate that after he bid farewell to the game of cricket, the government had taken the initiative to give him the award.

Meanwhile, Prof. C.N.R. Rao is an eminent scientist and a well-recognized international authority on solid state and materials chemistry.

He has published over 1,400 research papers and 45 books.

Prof. Rao's contributions have been recognized by most major scientific academies around the world through conferment of memberships and fellowships.

He has been honoured with several national and international awards.