The award, which carries cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, a citation and a memento, was first conferred in 1983, by the trustees of Tilak Smarak Trust (founded in 1923) with the aim of honouring any Indian who has dedicated his or her life to social and political service, and to strengthening democratic principles. S M Joshi of Pune was the first recipient.

Bhatkar, who has advanced a new vision for network virtual universities and network virtual schools, led the development of PARAM supercomputers, GIST language technology, and C-DAC's Advanced Computer Training School (ACTS).