The Padma Awards are among the highest civilian honors in India, conferred by the Government of India annually. They are awarded in three categories to recognize exceptional contributions in various fields. Here's the difference between them.
1. Padma Vibhushan
Significance: It is the second-highest civilian award in India, after the Bharat Ratna.
Purpose: Awarded for "exceptional and distinguished service" in any field, including government service.
Fields Recognized: Art, Public Affairs, Science & Engineering, Trade & Industry, Social Work, Medicine, Literature & Education, Civil Service, Sports, etc.
Status: Given for outstanding achievements that have a national or global impact.
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2. Padma Bhushan
Significance: It is the third-highest civilian award in India.
Purpose: Awarded for "distinguished service of a high order" in any field.
Fields Recognized: Similar to Padma Vibhushan but for contributions that may have significant national recognition but not necessarily global impact.
Status: Recognizes notable achievements of individuals who have made significant contributions in their fields but are not as extensive as those eligible for the Padma Vibhushan.
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3. Padma Shri
Significance: It is the fourth-highest civilian award in India.
Purpose: Awarded for "distinguished service" in any field.
Fields Recognized: Same fields as Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan.
Status: Meant to honor individuals for their exceptional work at a regional or local level or in relatively less publicized fields.
Selection Process
1. Recommendations are invited from the public and government organizations.
2. Nominations are reviewed by the Padma Awards Committee, which submits its recommendations to the Prime Minister and the President of India.
3. Announced on Republic Day every year.
These awards do not distinguish based on race, gender, or occupation, and posthumous awards are rare but can be granted in exceptional cases.
Bharat Ratna
The Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award in India, instituted in 1954. It is conferred for exceptional service or performance of the highest order in any field of human endeavor.
Key Details about Bharat Ratna
1. Purpose:
Awarded for achievements in fields such as arts, literature, science, public service, and even sports (since 2013).
It recognizes exceptional and unparalleled contributions that have a profound and lasting impact on the nation.
2. Eligibility:
Open to all Indian citizens irrespective of age, race, occupation, or gender.
It can also be awarded to non-Indians for their significant contributions to India.
3. Fields Recognized:
Initially limited to arts, literature, and public service, the scope was broadened to include "any field of human endeavor."
4. Design of the Medal:
The medal is peepal leaf-shaped and made of toned bronze.
It features the Sun emblem and the inscription "Bharat Ratna" in Devanagari script.
On the reverse side, it bears the state emblem of India and the motto "Satyameva Jayate."
5. Award Limitations:
A maximum of three awards can be conferred in a year.
It is not conferred posthumously unless in exceptional cases.
6. Privileges for Recipients:
Bharat Ratna awardees rank seventh in the Indian order of precedence.
They are entitled to various honors at official ceremonies.
However, Bharat Ratna does not carry any monetary grant.
7. Notable Bharat Ratna Recipients:
C.V. Raman (1954): For contributions to Physics.
Mother Teresa (1980): For her humanitarian work.
Sachin Tendulkar (2014): First sportsperson to receive the award.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee (2015): Former Prime Minister of Indi
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (1990): Architect of the Indian Constitution.
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