New Delhi: Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar Tuesday was conferred the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, by President Pranab Mukherjee at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here.
In a glittering ceremony at the Durbar Hall, the president bestwowed the Bharat Ratna on 40-year-old Tendulkar.
With him 79-year-old Rao.eminent scientist C.N.R. Rao also conferred Bharat Ratna.
The ceremony was attended by many celebrities including Sachin's wife Anjali Tendulkar, vice president Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and his wife, Defence Minister A K Antony, and others.
Tendulkar (40) is recipient of Padma Vibhushan -- the country's second highest civilian honour, joined a list of 41 eminent personalities who have been conferred with the award that is given in recognition of exceptional service of the highest order since it was instituted in 1954.
Sachin is the highest run getter in Test as well as in ODI. He retired last year in November after playing his 200th test at his home ground Wankhede stadium in Mumbai.
In a fitting finale to a record-breaking career spanning 24 years, Tendulkar, a former India Captain, was chosen for the prestigious award, after his farewell 200th Test against the West Indies in Mumbai on November 16, 2013.
