Highest Civilian Awards in India

Highest civilian awards in India are Bharat Ratna and Padma Award. Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award in India. Padma awards include Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. The purpose of these awards is to acknowledge outstanding contributions and accomplishments in various fields such as art, literature, education, sports, medicine, social work, science, engineering, public affairs, civil service, trade, and industry.

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Table of Content

• What is Bharat Ratna?
• Bharat Ratna recipients
• What is Padma Award?
• Categories of Padma Awards
• What is Padma Vibhushan?
• What is Padma Bhushan?
• What is Padma Shri?
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bharat Ratna?

• Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award granted by the Republic of India to its civilians who have achieved exceptional accomplishments.
• The Bharat Ratna award was first presented in 1954.
• The word “Bharat Ratna” means “Jewel of India“
• Initially, Bharat Ratna was given to artists, scientists, writers, and public servants who has demonstrated exceptional achievements.
  • In December 2011, the criteria of Bharat Ratna were expanded to include achievements in any field of human endeavour.
• The recommendations for the Bharat Ratna are made by the Prime Minister of India to President of India.
• The President of India selects up to three individuals each year for the award.
• The recipients of awards are presented with a medal shaped like a peepalleaf and a certificate (sanad).
  • No monetary prize is given.
• Bharat Ratna awards recipients hold the seventh rank in the Indian Order of Precedence.
• The recipients of Bharat Ratna awards cannot use the award as a prefix or suffix to their names as per the Article 18(1) of the Constitution.

Bharat Ratna recipients:

What is Padma Award?

• The Padma Awards were established in 1954.
• The Padma Awards are presented to the individuals who have made exceptional contributions in various fields such as sports, art, social work, civil service, literature, education, public affairs, science and technology, trade, and industry.
• The names of the deserving recipients of Padma Awards are announced annually on RepublicDay.
  • The exception of was in the year 1977, 1980 and between 1993-1997.
• Categories of Padma Awards are Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.

Rules and regulations for Padma awards:

• A person who has received a lower degree of the Padma award must wait for a minimum of five years before being eligible for a higher degree of the award.
• While posthumous awards are rare, exceptions can be made in highly deserving cases.
• The achievements of the selected individuals should demonstrate a significant element of public service.
  • It should be based on excellence in their respective fields along with a dedication to serve the public.
• Government employees including those working in public sector undertakings (PSUs) are not eligible for these awards.
  • Exception: Government employees that are doctors and scientists are eligible for these awards.

Categories of Padma Awards:

Padma Vibhushan	For exceptional and distinguished service. Second Degree of Civilian Honour.
Padma Bhushan	For distinguished service of a high order. Third Degree of Civilian Honour.
Padma Shri	For distinguished service. Fourth Degree of Civilian Honour.

What is Padma Vibhushan?

• The Padma Vibhushan award holds the distinction of being the second-highest civilian honour bestowed by the Republic of India.
• The Padma Vibhushan Recipients are presented with a certificate of citation and a medal.
• The medal of the Padma Vibhushan award features a lotus flower at its centre and the words ‘Desh Seva’ engraved on the front.

Padma Vibhushan:

What is Padma Bhushan?

• The Padma Bhushan awards are the third-highest civilian honour bestowed by the Republic of India.
• The Padma Bhushan awards recognizes individuals who have significantly enhanced India’s standing on the global stage.
• The President of India bestows this award during a ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhawan either in March or April.

Padma Bhushan:

What is Padma Shri?

• The Padma Shri awards are the fourth-highest civilian award bestowed by the Republic of India.
• The Padma Shri awards are given for the exceptional achievements in diverse fields such as arts, literature, sports, politics, industry, medicine, and social service.
• The Padma Shri awardee does not receive monetary compensation.
• The Padma Shri awardee are presented with a certificate and a medal.
• The medal of Padma Shri awards is adorned with a symbolic three-leafed flower on one side, while the other side features the words “Padma” (lotus) and “Shri” (Mr. or Ms.) written in Devanagiri script.

Padma Shri:

Conclusion

Highest civilian awards in India are open to individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their race, occupation, position, or gender. The president of India gives these awards to beneficiaries every year. However, no one received the Bharat Ratna for 2022.

Ref: Source-1

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