Major Awards And Honours in India

Every year, several awards and honours are given by the Government of India as a token of appreciation to people or communities for their extraordinary work.

Bharat Ratna

Bharat Ratna is one of the highest awards and honours, bestowed upon the most outstanding people who have presented admirable work in their fields. The Bharat Ratna is also called the Jewel of India. It is the highest civilian honour in the republic of India. This award was first given in 1954, and it was initially bestowed upon those who made contributions to literature, Public Service, art, or research. However, in December 2011, the standards were extended to “any area of human endeavour”. The Prime Minister of India can recommend selecting three individuals every year for the President of India to be bestowed with this award and honour. Bharat Ratna is a cashless award, but the winners receive a Peepal leaf-shaped medal, a signed certificate, and the highest respect.

Padma Award

The Padma is another highest honourable award constituted in 1954 and is given to individuals who have achieved outstanding records in sports, civil service education, social work, science, technology, industry, trade, Public Relations, education and medicine. 

Government employees, including those employed by PSU, are not eligible for this award (exceptions – scientists and physicians).

According to the Indian government, there are three categories for Padma Award:

• Padma Vibhushan: It is the Republic of India’s second most prestigious civilian award. The Government of India awards this honour for “exceptional and distinguished service; it is awarded to an individual(s) by the President
• Padma Bhushan: Padma Bhushan is the third-highest civilian award in India. The award is announced on the occasion of Republic Day. A special committee selects the award recipients constituted every year by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
• Padma Shri: Another highest honourable award founded in 1954 is given to those admirable individuals who achieved outstanding records in sports, civil service education, social work, science, technology, industry, trade, Public Relations, education, and medicine

Sahitya Akademi Award

This award started in 1954, is bestowed on those who have made a remarkable contribution to literature. This is awarded annually for literary, theory, merit, and publishing new works or poetry in Akademi’s 24 major languages.

Other literary awards are as follows. 

Sahitya Akademi Fellowship

The Sahitya Academy Fellowship is offered by Akademi and is a prestigious fellowship. This is the highest distinction presented to the Fellows and Honorary Fellows selected for their excellent contributions to literature, arts and fields. 

Bhasha Samman

Sahitya Academy issues this award to selected writers who have contributed excellent services to Indian languages every year. The Sahitya Academy prize protects this award, and it is presented to classical and mediaeval literature.

Jnanpith Award

This award is also called the seat of knowledge. This is bestowed upon the people for their outstanding literary achievements. This award is awarded to those who write literary work in 22 languages mentioned in the Indian Constitution schedule VIII and English.

Saraswati Samman

This is one of the annual awards and honours granted for poetry written in 22 Indian languages, specified in the Indian Constitution schedule. Named after the Indian goddess Saraswathi, this award is considered one of India’s top honours given to people who have excelled in literature. 

Dada Saheb Phalke Award

Dada Saheb Phalke award was introduced in 1969 to honour Dada Saheb Phalke, the legendary film director of India’s first full-length film Raja Harishchandra and is awarded by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. 

This award is only given to pioneers or excellent civilians who have contributed to the growth and development of Indian cinema. They are chosen by a committee of eminent figures from the Indian film industry.

Conclusion

Personal and community awards and honours are granted as a token of gratitude or recognition for extraordinary work. Every year, the Government of India bestows many honours on those who have excelled in their fields. Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award of the Republic of India; it is given to any candidate who has presented the highest admirable work in their field. Padma Shri is the fourth-highest honourable award. It was first awarded in 1954 and was only given to those admirable individuals who achieved outstanding records in sports, civil service education, social work, science, technology, industry, trade, and Public Relations. On Republic Day, this award is being announced. The Sahitya Academy Fellowship is offered by Akademi and is a prestigious fellowship.