2021 Padma Awards | 09 Nov 2021

Why in News

Recently, the President of India presented the Padma awards to 119 recipients for the year 2021 at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

  • The list comprises 7 Padma Vibhushans, 10 Padma Bhushans and 102 Padma Shri awards.

Key Points

  • About:
    • The Padma Awards are announced annually on Republic Day (26th January).
    • It was instituted in 1954, except for brief interruption (suspended) during the years 1978 and 1979 and 1993 to 1997.
    • It is one of the highest civilian honours of India. A higher category of Padma award can be conferred on a person only where a period of at least five years has elapsed since conferment of the earlier Padma award.
  • Objective:
    • It seeks to recognize achievements in all fields of activities or disciplines where an element of public service is involved.
  • Categories:
    • The Awards are given in three categories:
      • Padma Vibhushan (for exceptional and distinguished service),
      • Padma Bhushan (distinguished service of higher-order) and
      • Padma Shri (distinguished service).
    • Padma Vibhushan is highest in the hierarchy of Padma Awards followed by Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.
  • Disciplines:
    • The Awards are given in various disciplines/ fields of activities, viz.- art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service etc.
  • Selection Process:
    • Padma Awards Committee: The Awards are conferred on the recommendations made by the Padma Awards Committee, which is constituted by the Prime Minister every year.
    • Awarded by President: The awards are presented by the President of India usually in the month of March/April every year.

Bharat Ratna

  • Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award of the country. It is awarded in recognition of exceptional service/performance of the highest order in any field of human endeavour.
  • It is treated on a different footing from Padma Award. The recommendations for Bharat Ratna are made by the Prime Minister to the President of India. No formal recommendations for Bharat Ratna are necessary.
  • The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of three in a particular year. Government has conferred Bharat Ratna Award on 45 persons till date.

Source: IE