New Delhi/Mumbai/Hyderabad: The nation today hailed the timely announcement of Bharat Ratna to cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar and eminent scientist Prof C N R Rao.
While Sachin Tendulkar bid adieu to cricket at an emotional farewell today at Wankhede stadium, Prof C N R Rao is presently the head of the Scientific Advisory Council to the PM.
He is a renowned solid state and materials chemist and his work on transitional metal oxides is considered pathbreaking.
Congratulations began to pour in for Sachin Tendulkar, with BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi tweeting: "Bharat Ratna for Sachin Tendulkar is a fitting tribute for his contribution to sports. My congratulations to him".
Team India captain M S Dhoni wrote on Facebook: "I think it's a complete performance from the side. It was fantastic. The batsmen batted really well and when the opportunity came the bowlers got wickets. I think there was much for spinners in Kolkata but the way (Mohammed) Shami bowled, he gave us the edge that we needed. You want that kind of individual performances to boost the morale,”
“I think it's the biggest match in the cricketing history. It's something we won't witness again. Thank you Sachin for being such a role model for all of us. Not only as a cricketer, but the way he has led his life, he is a role model for all."
BCCI president N Srinivasan: "Sachin Tendulkar is an inspirational figure, and a role model for all sportspersons. He richly deserves the Bharat Ratna. I extend my heartiest congratulations to him."
Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda: "I want to thank the Prime Minister and President for this decision. His performance is the best in cricket."
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Jitendra Singh: " Sachin Tendulkar is one of the finest examples of sportsmen we have ever had with love for the sport, humility, integrity, honesty and pure unbridled talent.
"His sterling performance across all formats of the game, from Tests, ODIs and T20 over 24 years is a rare feat of exemplary elegance, earnest application and commitment."
Chhattisgarh chief minister Dr Raman Singh: "Sachin is the mahanayak of Indian cricket. He gave Indian cricket a new name and a new identity."
BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi: "Bharat Ratna to be given to Sachin & Prof CNR Rao.It is honour to this country which have produced such legendary figures.Congratulations !"
Rajasthan BJP leader Vasundhara Raje: " Congratulations Sachin on becoming 1st sportsman to be conferred with Bharat Ratna.Well deserved honor to the man who made us all proud!"
BJP president Rajnath Singh: " I also congratulate Dr. CNR Rao who has received the 'Bharat Ratna' for his contribution to Science. Scientists like him make us proud."
Singing legend Lata Mangeshkar, who is herself a Bharat Ratna: " Namaskar. Mujhe abhi pata chala hai ki Sachin Tendulkar ko Bharat ka sarvocch nagri samman BHARAT RATNA pradan kiya jaayega. Mujhe bohot khushi hai,main Sachin ko bohot bohot badhaai deti hu. Mujhe yaqeen hai ki sab cricket premiyo'n ko meri tarha hi bohot khushi ho rahi hogi."
Andhra Pradesh former CM N Chandrababu Naidu: "I congratulate Sachin for the highest civilian honour 'Bharat Ratna'
Bollywood actor Anupam Kher: "Bharat Ratna gets Sachin Tendulkar. Jai Ho.:)"
Actor Vivek Oberoi: "The one and only,legendary #masterblaster @sachin_rt gets #bharatratna award,what an honor! The first sportsman to achieve this! Take a bow!.."
Actor Aamir Khan: "Truly well deserved! The country is indeed proud of this jewel called Sachin!"
