The Padma Awards are among India’s highest civilian honours, instituted to recognise distinguished service in various fields of public and national importance.
Basic Facts
- Instituted: 1954
- Announced: Annually on Republic Day (26 January)
- Awarded by: President of India
- Nature: Civilian honours (not titles)
- Constitutional Basis: Do not violate Article 18(1) of the Constitution
Categories of Padma Awards
The Padma Awards are conferred in three hierarchical categories:
- Padma Vibhushan
- For exceptional and distinguished service
- Second highest civilian award after Bharat Ratna
- Padma Bhushan
- For distinguished service of a high order
- Padma Shri
- For distinguished service
- Fourth highest civilian award
Fields of Recognition
Padma Awards are given for contributions in all fields of human endeavour, including:
- Art and culture
- Literature and education
- Science and engineering
- Medicine
- Social work
- Public affairs
- Sports
- Trade and industry
- Civil service
- Environment and conservation
(Except activities connected with profit-making)
Eligibility and Selection Process
- Open to all persons, regardless of race, occupation, position or gender.
- Government servants are generally not eligible, except doctors and scientists.
- Nominations are invited from:
- State and Union Territory governments
- Central Ministries
- Public institutions
- Self-nominations and public nominations (since 2014)
A Padma Awards Committee, headed by the Cabinet Secretary, examines nominations and makes recommendations to the Prime Minister and the President.
Posthumous and Foreign Awards
- Padma Awards can be given posthumously.
- Non-citizens and foreign nationals are also eligible.
Design of the Award
- Circular bronze medallion
- Lotus flower embossed at the centre
- Inscription “Padma” in Devanagari and English
- Worn on ceremonial occasions only
Important Rules
- The award cannot be used as a title or prefix/suffix to the recipient’s name.
- Recipients are listed in the Gazette of India.
- No monetary grant is attached to the award.
Historical Note
- Originally, Padma awards had multiple classes (including Pahela Varg, Dusra Varg).
- Reorganised in 1955 into the present three-tier structure.
- Awards were suspended twice:
- 1977–1980
- 1992–1997
- Revived after judicial clarification that they do not violate Article 18.
Significance
- Recognises grassroots excellence along with national-level contributions.
- Acts as an instrument of social recognition, beyond political or institutional boundaries.
- Encourages excellence in non-glamorous and underrepresented sectors.
