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The Padma Awards are among the highest honours an individual can receive in India. The Padma Awards are conferred upon people who demonstrate unparalleled excellence in public services. The awards are usually presented in three distinct categories:
Padma Bhushan Award (distinguishable higher-order services)
Padma Vibhushan Award (excellence and distinguished services)
Padma Shri Award (distinguished services)
History of Padma Awards
In 1954, the Government of India announced two civilian honours called the Padma Vibhushan and the Bharat Ratna. The Padma Vibhushan had three subcategories or subclasses: Pahela Varg, Dusra Varg, and Teesra Varg. Later, the President changed the titles corresponding to the three categories to Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. A specific presidential notification was issued in 1955 to bring the changes mentioned above into effect.
Significance
The Padma Awards are announced every year on the eve of India’s Republic Day (26 January). The awards are given in three classes: the Padma Vibhushan for excellence and exceptional services, the Padma Bhushan for higher-order exceptional services, and the Padma Shri for other distinguished services.
The Bharat Ratna is conferred upon those involved in any form of public service of the highest order. They are the highest civilian honours of our country and differ from the Padma Awards. The Bharat Ratna recommendations are made to the President of India by the Prime Minister himself. A maximum of 3 Bharat Ratnas can be awarded every year. To date, the Government of India has awarded the Bharat Ratna to 45 individuals.
Selection for the Padma Awards
The Padma Awards Committee has the country’s Prime Minister, who finalises the nominations. The Cabinet Secretary leads the committee, consisting of the President of India’s secretary, the Home secretary, and other eminent personalities. The recommendations are then submitted to the President and the Prime Minister for approval.
Eligibility and Disciplines
Any individual of the country, irrespective of caste, creed, colour, race, sex, or gender, is eligible to receive this award. Only doctors, scientists, and government workers, including those associated with PSUs, are not eligible to receive this award. The award, under normal circumstances, is not conferred upon an individual posthumously. However, if required, it can be conferred upon posthumously.
The disciplines/fields in which these awards are declared are
Art
Social Work
Public Affairs
Science and Engineering
Medicine
Literature and Education
Trade and Industry
Civil Services
Sports
Others
The award is conferred upon individuals from the categories mentioned above every year in March or April. The President of India presents a certificate or a Sanad signed by him and a medallion.
Award Winners of 2017
Padma Bhushan Award Winners 2017
Padma Vibhushan Award Winners 2017
Padma Shri Award Winners 2017
Conclusion
The Padma Awards are recognised as one of India’s highest civilian honours. They are awarded to individuals who demonstrate excellence in public services. They are announced on the eve of India’s Republic Day and presented in March or April. The Padma Awards Committee makes the recommendations to nominate eligible people. However, the recommendations of the Bharat Ratna are made by the Prime Minister himself. The President gives away all these awards.
