'Sachin Tendulkar most deserving person for Bharat Ratna': Rajeev Shukla

Minister of State for Planning and Parliamentary affairs, Rajeev Shukla on Saturday thanked the UPA Government for conferring the prestigious Bharat Ratna to the cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, and said that he is the most deserving person for the nation's highest civilian award.

"He is the most deserving person for Bharat Ratna. I want to thank the UPA Government for giving the Bharat Ratna to a very deserving person, which would not only inspire the youth of this country, but for understanding and respecting the sentiments of the people of this country," he said.

"His record cannot be broken for 100 years. We would never find such a gentleman,' he added.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said that Sachin Tendulkar is Bharat's Ratna (Gem of India).

"Sachin is Bharat's Ratna. He is the heartbeat of the people. We wanted him to get Bharat Ratna. Players do not get Bharat Ratna. This is the happiest thing that he is getting this award," he said.

BJP leader and Former cricketer Kirti Azad said: "I do not have words to explain this. I am feeling very proud and happy. The youth must be inspired by this."

The government has announced that Sachin Tendulkar will be awarded the Bharat Ratna for his contributions to the sport.

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

The press note said: "The President of India has been pleased to award the Bharat Ratna to Shri Sachin Tendulkar."

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