Mains Practice Questions

• Write a brief introduction about the awards like Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards.
• Mention how these awards express individual recognition along with recipients' influence on society.
• Write a conclusion.

Introduction

The Bharat Ratna and the Padma Awards are the highest civilian honors of India, conferred by the President of India. These awards are given to recognize the exceptional service or performance of the highest order in any field of human endeavor. The recipients of these awards are not only honored for their individual achievements but also for their impact on various aspects of Indian society. These awards reflect the values, aspirations, and diversity of the nation, as well as its appreciation for excellence and public service.

Body

The Bharat Ratna and the Padma Awards are thus not merely symbols of personal recognition, but also expressions of national pride and gratitude. They celebrate the achievements of the citizens who have enriched the country and the world with their talent, vision, and dedication.

The Bharat Ratna and the Padma Awards express individual recognition along with recipients’ influence on society, with examples:

• Recognizing excellence and innovation: These awards acknowledge the outstanding achievements and contributions of the recipients in their respective fields, such as science, literature, art, sports, etc. For example, C. V. Raman received the Bharat Ratna in 1954 for his discovery of the Raman effect, which revolutionized the field of spectroscopy, Satyajit Ray received the Bharat Ratna in 1992 for his cinematic genius and influence on Indian and world cinema. Sachin Tendulkar received the Bharat Ratna in 2014 for his unparalleled record and impact in cricket, M. S. Subbulakshmi received the Padma Vibhushan in 1975 for her mastery and innovation in Carnatic music.
• Promoting social justice and welfare: These awards honor the recipients for their efforts in advancing the causes of social justice, equality, and welfare in the country. For example, B. R. Ambedkar received the Bharat Ratna in 1990 for his role in drafting the Indian Constitution and championing the rights of the oppressed classes. Aruna Asaf Ali received the Padma Vibhushan in 1992 for her participation in the Quit India Movement and her work in uplifting women and children.
• Inspiring patriotism and leadership: These awards celebrate the recipients for their leadership and vision in shaping the nation’s destiny and inspiring patriotism among the citizens. For example, Atal Bihari Vajpayee received the Bharat Ratna in 2015 for his leadership as the Prime Minister of India and his initiatives in foreign policy and economic reforms. Lal Bahadur Shastri received the Bharat Ratna in 1966 for his leadership during the Indo-Pak War of 1965 and his slogan of “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan”.

Conclusion

The Bharat Ratna and Padma awards extend far beyond individual recognition. They serve as powerful tools for inspiration, social change, national unity, and promoting India's soft power on the global stage. By recognizing and celebrating individual excellence, they contribute significantly to the progress and well-being of Indian society as a whole.