Today (May 9) marks a significant occasion as President Droupadi Murmu is set to bestow the prestigious Padma Awards during a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi. This notably is the second civil investiture ceremony. Scheduled for this evening, the event signifies the culmination of the Padma Awards ceremony of the year 2024. Last month, on April 22, the President honoured individuals with three Padma Vibhushan, eight Padma Bhushan, and 55 Padma Shri Awards.
The Padma Awards, renowned as among the highest civilian honours in India, are categorised into three categories, and acknowledge outstanding contributions across various domains. Here’s all that you need to know:
Padma Awards 2024: Categories Of 2nd Highest Civilian Award
The Padma awards are categorised into three distinctions:
- Padma Vibhushan
- Padma Bhushan
- Padma Shri
These accolades acknowledge outstanding contributions across various domains, encompassing art, social work, public affairs, science, and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, and civil service. The announcement of the awards traditionally coincides with Republic Day celebrations each year.
History Of Padma Awards
Established in 1954, the Padma Awards initially comprised two distinctions, namely Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan, which were later renamed Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Sri. These honours aim to commend persons who have made exemplary contributions to society.
Selection Of Padma Awards
The selection process for the Padma Awards is meticulous, overseen by the Padma Awards Committee, constituted annually by the Prime Minister. Comprising eminent members including the Cabinet Secretary, Home Secretary, Secretary to the President, and other distinguished personalities, the committee reviews the nominations before submitting recommendations to the Prime Minister and the President for final approval.
Who Cannot Be A Padma Awardee?
While the Padma Awards are open to persons from all walks of life, government employees, except for doctors and scientists, are ineligible for consideration. The awards are generally not conferred posthumously, although exceptions may be granted in deserving cases.
A notable aspect of the Padma Awards is the restriction on re-awarding persons within a five-year timeframe, unless under exceptional circumstances, as determined by the Awards Committee.
Recipients of the Padma Awards are honoured by the President of India, usually in March or April, receiving a certificate and a medallion as a symbol of recognition. Although the awards do not carry a monetary prize, awardees are presented with a miniature replica of the medallion for ceremonial purposes. The list of awardees is published in the Gazette of India on the day of the presentation ceremony.
With a cap of 120 awards per year (excluding posthumous and non-Indian citizens), the Padma Awards embody a celebration of excellence across various fields.
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