Former president Pranab Mukherjee, late Bharatiya Jana Sangh leader Nanaji Deshmukh and late singer Bhupen Hazarika were conferred the Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian award, on Thursday. President Ram Nath Kovind gave the award to Mukherjee, Hazarika's son Tej and Vikramjeet Singh, a close relative of Deshmukh, at a function held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

President Kovind presents Bharat Ratna to Dr Bhupen Hazarika (posthumously). A renowned singer, lyricist, musician, poet and filmmaker, Bhupen Da popularised India's musical traditions globally. pic.twitter.com/kLIg8IML8X

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 8, 2019

Hazarika and Deshmukh were given the Bharat Ratna posthumously. Vice President M Venkaikah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, several Union Cabinet Ministes, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal were among those present at the function held at the imposing Durbar Hall.