The correct answer is: B. Padma Bhushan
The Padma Bhushan is the third-highest civilian award in the Republic of India, after the Bharat Ratna and the Padma Vibhushan. It is awarded for distinguished service of a high order in any field, including art, literature, education, science, engineering, medicine, social service, public affairs, trade and industry, sports, etc.
The award was instituted in 1954 by the first President of India, Rajendra Prasad. It is awarded by the President of India on the recommendations of the Padma Awards Committee, which is constituted every year.
The Padma Bhushan is a three-tier award, with the recipients being awarded a scroll of honour, a medal and a badge. The medal is made of bronze and is circular in shape. It has a lotus flower in the centre, with the national emblem of India on the obverse and the recipient’s name and the year of the award on the reverse. The badge is made of silver and is in the shape of a lotus flower.
Some of the notable recipients of the Padma Bhushan include:
- Satyajit Ray (1961), Indian filmmaker
- M. S. Subbulakshmi (1974), Indian classical singer
- Mother Teresa (1979), Albanian-Indian Roman Catholic nun and missionary
- Indira Gandhi (1971), Indian politician and the first and only female Prime Minister of India
- A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (1992), Indian aerospace scientist and the 11th President of India
- Sachin Tendulkar (2014), Indian cricketer
- Virat Kohli (2017), Indian cricketer
- Priyanka Chopra (2018), Indian actress, singer, and film producer
The Padma Bhushan is a prestigious award that is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the nation. It is a recognition of their hard work and dedication, and it is a source of great pride for the recipients.