Padma Awards

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Latest News (2025)

  • Civil Investiture Ceremony-I: The President of India conferred 4 Padma Vibhushan, 10 Padma Bhushan, and 57 Padma Shri awards at Rashtrapati Bhavan’s Darbar Hall.

  • Significance: Recognizes exceptional contributions across diverse fields, from arts and science to social work and public affairs.

Historical Background

  • 1954: Instituted alongside the Bharat Ratna as India’s highest civilian honors.

  • 1955: Renamed from Pahela Varg, Dusra Varg, and Tisra Varg to Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri.

Categories

Award Criteria Hierarchy
Padma Vibhushan Exceptional and distinguished service. Second-highest civilian.
Padma Bhushan Distinguished service of a high order. Third-highest civilian.
Padma Shri Distinguished service in any field. Fourth-highest civilian.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Open to All: Regardless of race, gender, occupation, or nationality (including NRIs/foreigners).

  • Exclusions: Government servants (except doctors/scientists).

  • Posthumous Awards: Allowed in exceptional cases.

  • 5-Year Gap Rule: Required for upgrading to a higher category (exceptions permitted).

Selection Process

  1. Nominations: Open to the public (self-nominations permitted).

  2. Evaluation: By the Padma Awards Committee (headed by the Cabinet Secretary).

  3. Approval: Recommendations sent to the Prime Minister and President.

  4. Announcement: On Republic Day (January 26); conferred in March/April.

Key Features

  • Annual Cap: 120 awards (excluding posthumous/NRI/foreign recipients).

  • No Title: Cannot be used as a prefix/suffix.

  • Disciplines: Arts, science, sports, civil service, social work, etc.

  • Award Components:

    • Sanad (Certificate): Signed by the President.

    • Medallion: Unique design for each category.

Key Takeaways

  • Padma Awards celebrate India’s unsung heroes, fostering national pride and inclusivity.

  • The transparent nomination process and diverse disciplines reflect India’s pluralistic ethos.

  • Recent ceremonies highlight contributions from grassroots innovators, artists, and global icons.

FAQs

  1. What are Padma Awards?

    • Civilian honors for exceptional contributions in various fields.

  2. Can government employees receive Padma Awards?

    • Only doctors and scientists are eligible.

  3. Are foreigners eligible?

    • Yes, NRIs, foreigners, and OCIs can be awarded.

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