Indian cricketers bid farewell to Sachin Tendulkar after his 200th Test match against West Indies at Wankhede stadium in Mumbai
New Delhi:
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today wrote to cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and acclaimed scientist CNR Rao, congratulating them on being chosen for Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in the country.
In a letter to Tendulkar, Dr Singh described him as a "true ambassador" of India in the world of sports.
"In conferring this award on you, the nation has honoured a living legend whose numerous achievements and exemplary conduct on the cricketing field have inspired millions across the globe. You have been a true ambassador of India in the world of sports. We salute you as a sporting genius and a global sporting icon," the Prime Minister said.
He said Tendulkar will continue to inspire countrymen not only in sports but also in other areas of human endeavour.
In his congratulatory letter to Prof. Rao, Dr Singh lauded the former's efforts of "passionately nurturing" young scientists.
"In conferring this award on you, the nation has honoured an eminent scientist and a well-recognised international authority on solid state and materials chemistry. We salute your work not only as a scientist but also in passionately nurturing young scientists and strengthening the science infrastructure in our country," the PM wrote.
He said India looks forward to Prof. Rao's continued guidance of Indian science and scientists.
Tendulkar (40) and Prof. Rao (79), both of whom are recipients of Padma Vibhushan - country's second highest civilian honour - join a list of 41 eminent personalities to get the award given in recognition of exceptional service of the highest order since it was instituted in 1954.
In a letter to Tendulkar, Dr Singh described him as a "true ambassador" of India in the world of sports.
"In conferring this award on you, the nation has honoured a living legend whose numerous achievements and exemplary conduct on the cricketing field have inspired millions across the globe. You have been a true ambassador of India in the world of sports. We salute you as a sporting genius and a global sporting icon," the Prime Minister said.
He said Tendulkar will continue to inspire countrymen not only in sports but also in other areas of human endeavour.
In his congratulatory letter to Prof. Rao, Dr Singh lauded the former's efforts of "passionately nurturing" young scientists.
"In conferring this award on you, the nation has honoured an eminent scientist and a well-recognised international authority on solid state and materials chemistry. We salute your work not only as a scientist but also in passionately nurturing young scientists and strengthening the science infrastructure in our country," the PM wrote.
He said India looks forward to Prof. Rao's continued guidance of Indian science and scientists.
Tendulkar (40) and Prof. Rao (79), both of whom are recipients of Padma Vibhushan - country's second highest civilian honour - join a list of 41 eminent personalities to get the award given in recognition of exceptional service of the highest order since it was instituted in 1954.
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