Major Awards in India Bharat Ratna, Padma Awards, Gallantry awards

Explore the major awards in India Bharat Ratna, Padma Awards, and Gallantry Awards. Learn their significance, categories, and key recipients.

Major Awards in India Bharat Ratna Padma Awards

India honors its citizens through various national awards that recognize excellence and bravery. These awards are categorized into civilian and gallantry awards.

Let’s explore the most prestigious honors in India:

1. Bharat Ratna – India’s Highest Civilian Award

• Established: 1954
• Awarded For: Exceptional service in art, literature, science, public service, or any field of human endeavor
• Presented By: President of India

Notable Recipients:

• Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam – Former President and Missile Man of India
• Sachin Tendulkar – Cricketer (youngest recipient)
• Lata Mangeshkar – Legendary singer
• Atal Bihari Vajpayee – Former Prime Minister
• Indira Gandhi – Former Prime Minister

Interesting Fact: The award can be given posthumously and has no monetary benefits.

2. Padma Awards – Civilian Honors in Three Categories

(a) Padma Vibhushan

• Second-highest civilian award
• For exceptional and distinguished service
• Recipients: Pranab Mukherjee, Isro Scientist Dr. K. Radhakrishnan

(b) Padma Bhushan

• Third-highest civilian award
• For distinguished service of a high order
• Recipients: N. R. Narayana Murthy, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw

(c) Padma Shri

• Fourth-highest civilian award
• For distinguished service in any field
• Recipients: Hima Das, Kamal Haasan, Ekta Kapoor

Selection Process:
Announced every year on Republic Day (January 26). A committee appointed by the Prime Minister makes the recommendations.

3. Gallantry Awards – For Courage and Bravery

India honors military and civilian bravery with Gallantry Awards, mainly divided into wartime and peacetime honors.

Wartime Gallantry Awards

• Param Vir Chakra (PVC) – Highest military award for bravery in the presence of the enemy
• Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) – Second-highest
• Vir Chakra – Third-highest

Famous PVC Awardees:

• Captain Vikram Batra (Kargil War)
• Subedar Major Yogendra Singh Yadav

Peacetime Gallantry Awards

• Ashoka Chakra – Highest peacetime bravery award
• Kirti Chakra – Second-highest
• Shaurya Chakra – Third-highest

Notable Ashoka Chakra Recipients:

• Neerja Bhanot – Flight attendant who saved passengers from hijackers
• Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan – NSG Commando (26/11 attacks)

Other Important Indian Awards

• Dronacharya Award – For sports coaching
• Arjuna Award – For outstanding sports performance
• Sahitya Akademi Award – For literary excellence
• Jnanpith Award – Highest literary honor
• National Film Awards – For excellence in Indian cinema
• Ramon Magsaysay Award – Though not Indian, many Indian achievers like Kiran Bedi and Arvind Kejriwal have received it

Significance of National Awards in India

National awards play a vital role in motivating individuals to excel in their respective fields. They serve as symbols of recognition, inspiring millions to work hard, innovate, and serve the nation selflessly. These honors not only celebrate personal achievements but also highlight India’s cultural, scientific, and humanitarian progress.

From promoting artistic excellence to honoring acts of heroism, the awards system strengthens national pride and encourages every citizen to contribute toward India’s growth and development.

Also Read: List of Prime Ministers of India (1947–2025) Tenure, achievements & Full details

Selection and Presentation of Awards

The process of selecting awardees in India involves rigorous evaluation and transparency. Recommendations are made by ministries, state governments, and respected institutions, followed by review committees ensuring merit-based selection.

The President of India confers these awards during grand ceremonies held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, symbolizing the nation’s gratitude. The ceremonial presentation not only acknowledges individual excellence but also reinforces the idea that dedication and integrity are the cornerstones of India’s success.

Impact of Awards on Society

Awards have a profound influence on society by setting examples of achievement and courage. They inspire the younger generation to pursue excellence in diverse fields such as science, sports, literature, and defense.

Recognizing unsung heroes, teachers, environmentalists, or social workers, brings attention to areas often overlooked. Such recognition promotes social awareness, unity, and patriotism, reminding citizens that every contribution, no matter how small, plays a crucial role in shaping India’s bright and progressive future.

Summary

India’s awards system is a reflection of the country’s respect for talent, dedication, and courage. From artists and scientists to soldiers and social workers, these honors inspire every citizen to contribute to the nation.

Also Check: General Knowledge