STAFF REPORTER / NEW DELHI

President Ram Nath Kovind today conferred country’s highest civilian honour Bharat Ratna on former President Pranab Mukherjee and posthumously on social activist Nanaji Deshmukh and singer Bhupen Hazarika.

Pranab Mukherjee received the award from the President, at a function in Rashtrapati Bhawan. Bhupen Hazarika’s son Tej Hazarika received the award on his behalf. While a relative of Nanaji Deshmukh, Virender Jeet Singh received the award for him.

Vice President M Venkaikah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and several Union Ministers were present at the function.