Major Awards in India Bharat Ratna, Padma Awards, Gallantry awards explained, full details
Major Awards in India – Bharat Ratna, Padma Awards, Gallantry Awards
India honors its citizens through various national awards that recognize excellence and bravery. These awards are categorized into civilian and gallantry awards.
Table of Contents
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
Final Thoughts
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.