MS Subbulakshmi.

MS Subbulakshmi, the legendary Carnatic vocalist, was awarded the Bharat Ratna on 14th January 1998. This honor was given to her for her exceptional contribution to Indian music and culture. She became the first musician and the first woman to receive India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna.

Details about MS Subbulakshmi and the Award:

1. MS Subbulakshmi (1916-2004):
   • Madurai Shanmukhavadivu Subbulakshmi, known as MS Subbulakshmi, was one of the most renowned classical vocalists in the Carnatic tradition. She was born in 1916 in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
   • She is celebrated for her divine voice, incredible depth, and mastery over Carnatic music. Subbulakshmi’s renditions of devotional songs and classical ragas earned her widespread acclaim not just in India, but globally.
2. Her Contributions to Music:
   • MS Subbulakshmi was a highly revered figure in the classical music world. She made significant contributions to the Carnatic music tradition and became an iconic figure in Indian classical music.
   • She was known for her soulful renditions of compositions by great composers like Thyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, and Shyama Shastri.
   • Apart from Carnatic music, Subbulakshmi's rendering of Bhajans and classical compositions gained immense popularity, and she became the voice of devotion for millions of Indians.
3. Awards and Recognitions:
   • Apart from the Bharat Ratna, Subbulakshmi received several prestigious awards during her lifetime. She was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1968 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1975 for her contribution to music.
   • She also received numerous honors and accolades from national and international organizations, and her performances were held in some of the most prestigious venues around the world.
4. Why She Was Awarded the Bharat Ratna:
   • MS Subbulakshmi was honored with the Bharat Ratna in recognition of her unparalleled contribution to the world of music and culture, her dedication to preserving traditional Indian music, and her efforts in promoting India’s rich cultural heritage globally.
   • Her voice resonated with millions of listeners, and her performances, especially in devotional and classical settings, left a lasting legacy in the music world. She was a symbol of grace, simplicity, and excellence.

Why the Other Options are Incorrect:

A) Rajiv Gandhi: Rajiv Gandhi was awarded the Bharat Ratna posthumously in 1991, after his assassination, not in 1998.

C) Atal Behari Vajpayee: Atal Behari Vajpayee, former Prime Minister of India, was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 2015, long after 1998.

D) Lata Mangeshkar: Lata Mangeshkar, the iconic playback singer, was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 2001, not in 1998.

Thus, the Bharat Ratna awarded to MS Subbulakshmi in 1998 remains one of the highest honors for her exceptional and timeless contributions to Indian music.

Hence, Option B Is Correct.

Statement 1: I.K. Gujral became the Prime Minister of India in April 1997.

• This statement is correct.
• I.K. Gujral became the 12th Prime Minister of India on April 21, 1997. He succeeded H.D. Deve Gowda, who had resigned after losing the support of the United Front government.
• Gujral served as Prime Minister until 1998, when the government fell following the withdrawal of support by the Congress Party.

Statement 2: Arunadati Roy won the Booker Prize for her novel in 1997.

• This statement is also correct.
• Arunadati Roy won the Booker Prize for her debut novel, The God of Small Things, in 1997. The novel was praised for its unique narrative style and won widespread acclaim.
• Roy became the first Indian woman to win the Booker Prize for fiction with this novel, which was set in the Indian state of Kerala and explored themes of family, love, and social issues.

Conclusion:

• Both statements are correct.
  • I.K. Gujral did become the Prime Minister of India in April 1997.
  • Arunadati Roy did win the Booker Prize for The God of Small Things in 1997.

Thus, the correct answer is:

a) Both statements are correct.

Hence, Option A Is Correct.

Arundhati Roy.

In 1997, Arundhati Roy won the prestigious Booker Prize for her debut novel, "The God of Small Things". The book became an international bestseller and earned Roy widespread recognition. Here are the key details about this landmark achievement:

1. About the Book:

   • "The God of Small Things" is a semi-autobiographical novel that explores the complexities of life in post-colonial Kerala, India. It delves into themes of family, caste, social discrimination, and the impact of historical events on personal lives.
   • The narrative is non-linear, using multiple perspectives and shifting between the past and present, which adds to its unique literary style.
   • The novel tells the story of twins Estha and Rahel, and the tragic events that occur in their family, all set against the backdrop of political turbulence and social change in Kerala.
   • Arundhati Roy's writing in this book is known for its vivid and poetic prose, blending the personal and the political seamlessly.

2. Significance of the Booker Prize:

   • Winning the Booker Prize made Arundhati Roy the first Indian woman to receive this honor. It was a significant milestone for her as a writer and also for Indian literature in general.
   • "The God of Small Things" was praised for its originality, narrative style, and depth of character exploration. It was lauded for bringing a new voice to Indian literature on the global stage.

3. After the Booker Prize:

   • Following the success of her first novel, Roy became an internationally recognized writer. She went on to publish other works, including "The Ministry of Utmost Happiness" (2017), though none matched the literary impact of her Booker-winning debut.
   • Arundhati Roy has also been very active in political and social issues, using her platform to speak out on topics like environmentalism, human rights, and anti-globalization.

4. Cultural Impact:

   • The novel’s success brought attention to the complexities of Indian society and its history, particularly the intersections of caste, gender, and class.
   • Roy's writing resonates deeply with readers worldwide because of its emotional depth, social critique, and vivid portrayal of life in India.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

A) Vikram Seth: While Vikram Seth is an acclaimed Indian writer, he did not win the Booker Prize in 1997. His famous work is "A Suitable Boy", which, though highly regarded, did not win the Booker Prize.

C) Ruskin Bond: Ruskin Bond is another celebrated Indian author, known for his works that focus on life in the Himalayas and nature. However, he did not win the Booker Prize, nor was he a nominee in 1997.

D) Kiran Desai: Kiran Desai won the Booker Prize in 2006 for her novel "The Inheritance of Loss". While she too has made a significant impact on Indian literature, she did not win in 1997.

Thus, Arundhati Roy's win in 1997 for "The God of Small Things" was a monumental event in both Indian and global literature, marking her as one of the leading literary voices of her generation.

Hence, Option B Is Correct.