The cricketing legend became the first sportsperson to get the award, whose past recipients have been such dignitaries as Jawharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Sir CV Raman, Satyajit Ray, Rajendra Prasad, Mother Teresa and Indira Gandhi.
The award will also be conferred on eminent scientist Prof CNR Rao, a statement issued by the PMO said.
“Sachin Tendulkar is undoubtedly an outstanding cricketer – a living legend who has inspired millions across the globe. During the last 24 years, since the young age of 16 years, Tendulkar has played cricket across the world and won laurels for our country,” the statement said.
“He has been a true ambassador of India in the world of sports. His achievements in cricket are unparalleled, the records set by him unmatched, and the spirit of sportsmanship displayed by him exemplary. That he has been honoured with several awards is testimony to his extraordinary brilliance as a sportsman,” the statement added.
Announcing the award for Prof CNR Rao, the statement said, “Prof Rao is an eminent scientist and a well recognised international authority on solid state and materials chemistry. He has published over 1,400 research papers and 45 books.”
The statement said Prof Rao`s contributions have been recognised by most major scientific academies around the world through conferment of memberships and fellowships. He has been honoured with several national and international awards.