<<–2/”>a href=”https://exam.pscnotes.com/5653-2/”>p>National Awards in India are prestigious honors conferred by the Government of India to recognize and celebrate exceptional contributions across various fields. These awards span a wide array of domains, including arts, literature, Sports, science, social work, and Public Service, among others. They serve not only as a token of appreciation but also as an inspiration for others to strive for excellence. This ARTICLE provides an in-depth exploration of some of the most prominent national awards in India, their history, significance, and the process of selection.
The Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, was instituted on January 2, 1954. It is awarded for exceptional service or performance of the highest order in any field of human endeavor. The award was initially limited to achievements in the arts, literature, science, and public Services, but the government expanded its scope in December 2011 to include any field of human endeavor.
The medal is in the shape of a peepal leaf with a sunburst in the center and the words “Bharat Ratna” inscribed in Devanagari Script. The reverse side of the medal bears the State Emblem and motto.
The Padma Awards, established in 1954, are one of the highest civilian honors in India and are announced annually on Republic Day. The awards are categorized into three levels:
The Padma Vibhushan is awarded for “exceptional and distinguished service.” It is the second-highest civilian award in India.
The Padma Bhushan is conferred for “distinguished service of a high order.”
The Padma Shri is awarded for “distinguished service” in any field.
The Padma awards are circular-shaped medals with a geometric pattern. The words “Padma” and the respective level (Vibhushan, Bhushan, Shri) are inscribed on the front.
Gallantry awards are presented to honor acts of bravery and sacrifice in the line of duty. These awards are divided into three categories:
The Param Vir Chakra is India’s highest military decoration, awarded for displaying distinguished acts of valor during wartime. The medal is circular in shape and made of bronze, with a state emblem in the center.
The Maha Vir Chakra is the second-highest military decoration and is awarded for acts of conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy. The medal is made of standard silver and is circular in shape.
The Vir Chakra is the third-highest military award and is presented for acts of bravery in the battlefield. It is made of silver and circular in shape.
The Arjuna Awards were instituted in 1961 to recognize outstanding achievements in national sports. The award is named after Arjuna, the great archer of The Mahabharata, symbolizing concentration, skill, and dedication.
The award consists of a bronze statuette of Arjuna, a certificate, and a cash prize.
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India’s highest award in cinema, presented annually at the National Film Awards ceremony by the Directorate of Film Festivals. It was introduced in 1969 to commemorate Dadasaheb Phalke, the father of Indian Cinema.
The award comprises a Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) medallion, a shawl, and a cash prize.
The Jnanpith Award, instituted in 1961, is the highest literary honor in India. It is awarded annually by the Bharatiya Jnanpith to an author for their outstanding contribution to literature.
The award includes a cash prize, a citation plaque, and a bronze replica of Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge and wisdom.
The Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology was established in 1958 by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). It recognizes outstanding Indian work in various branches of science.
The award comprises a citation, a plaque, and a cash prize.
The National Film Awards, established in 1954, are among the most prestigious awards in the Indian film Industry. They are presented annually by the Directorate of Film Festivals to honor excellence in various aspects of cinema.
The Sahitya Akademi Award, established in 1954, is a literary honor conferred annually by the Sahitya Akademi, India’s National Academy of Letters. It recognizes outstanding works of literature in 24 Indian languages.
The award includes a plaque, a shawl, and a cash prize.
The National Sports Awards include several categories recognizing achievements in sports and contributions to the development of sports.
The highest sporting honor in India, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, is awarded for the most outstanding performance by a sportsperson over a period of four years.
The Dronacharya Award is presented to coaches for producing medal winners at prestigious international sports events.
The Dhyan Chand Award is the highest lifetime achievement award in sports and games in India.
National awards in India play a crucial role in acknowledging and celebrating the remarkable contributions of individuals in various fields. They serve as a testament to the talent, dedication,