In recent news, the President of India bestowed the prestigious Padma awards to 119 recipients for the year 2021 in a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The award list was a mix of 7 Padma Vibhushans, 10 Padma Bhushans, and 102 Padma Shri awards.
About the Padma Awards
The Padma Awards, instituted in 1954, are announced every year on Republic Day – 26th January. There were brief interruptions in its conferment during the years 1978 and 1979 and also from 1993 to 1997. A higher category of Padma award can only be conferred on an individual if at least five years have passed since their previous Padma award.
These awards stand as one of the most eminent civilian honors of India and aim to recognize achievements in a wide range of activities or disciplines, particularly those involving public service.
Categories of Padma Awards
Padma Awards are presented in three major categories: Padma Vibhushan (awarded for exceptional and distinguished service), Padma Bhushan (for distinguished service of a higher order), and Padma Shri (for distinguished service). Among these three, Padma Vibhushan stands highest followed by Padma Bhushan and then Padma Shri.
Diverse Disciplines Covered
The Awards acknowledge accomplishments in various disciplines or fields such as art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, and many others.
The Selection Process
The deserving recipients of the Padma Awards are selected based on the recommendations made by the Padma Awards Committee, a body that is constituted by the Prime Minister each year. These awards are then presented by the President of India, typically in the month March or April each year.
Bharat Ratna: The Highest Civilian Award
Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award of the country, is given in recognition of exceptional service or performance of the highest order in any field of human endeavor. It is considered separately from the Padma Awards.
The recommendations for the Bharat Ratna are made by the Prime Minister to the President of India and don’t require any formal recommendation. The number of Bharat Ratna Awards conferred is restricted to a maximum of three in any given year. Until the present day, 45 individuals have been honored with the Bharat Ratna Award. The list of distinguished and public-spirited individuals reflects the diverse service areas and the paramount importance that India gives to contributions for the betterment of society and the nation at large.