. "Bharat Ratna (Hindi: \u092D\u093E\u0930\u0924 \u0930\u0924\u094D\u200D\u0928, Hindi pronunciation: [b\u02B0a\u02D0rt\u032A rt\u032A n]; Jewel of India) is the highest civilian award of the Republic of India. Instituted on 2 January 1954, the award is conferred \"in recognition of exceptional service/performance of the highest order\", without distinction of race, occupation, position, or sex."@en . .