Former president Pranab Mukherjee was awarded India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, on Thursday.

President Ram Nath Kovind presented the Bharat Ratna to Mukherjee. President Kovind also handed over Bharat Ratna to Bhupen Hazarika's son, Tej Hazarika, on his behalf. The legendary Assamese singer was conferred Bharat Ratna posthumously.

Mukherjee, 83, who served as India's president from 2012-17, was involved in active politics for over five decades and held several posts throughout his career.

The veteran politician was part of the governments led by Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, PV Narasimha Rao and Manmohan Singh.

Delhi: Former President Pranab Mukherjee receives 'Bharat Ratna' from President Ram Nath Kovind. pic.twitter.com/j9VmBbNEoP

ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2019

The veteran Congress politician was selected for receiving the Bharat Ratna in January along with Bharatiya Jan Sangh founder Nanaji Deshmukh and noted singer-musician Bhupen Hazarika.

Soon after Mukherjee was selected as a recipient of the Bharat Ratna, he expressed gratitude and said, "I've received much more from the people and from this country than I have given to it".

"I would like to express my deep gratitude to the people of this country. At the same time, with all humility, I accept this honour. I have conveyed my appreciation by talking to the President of the Republic. I also convey my deepest gratitude to the people of this country," he had told media on January 26.