On Republic Day 2025, India honored exceptional individuals with the Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri for their contributions in various fields. The President's Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) and Gallantry Awards like the Param Vir Chakra and Ashoka Chakra were also announced.
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Picture Courtesy: Financial Express
On Republic Day 2025, India honored individuals and groups for their exceptional contributions across various fields.
The highest civilian awards in India are the Bharat Ratna and the Padma Awards, which include the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri.
The Bharat Ratna is India’s highest civilian honor, awarded for exceptional service in any field such as art, literature, science, or public service.
It was established in 1954, by the then President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
Any person, irrespective of their background, can be awarded the Bharat Ratna.
The Prime Minister recommends potential recipients to the President. The President has the final authority to confer the award.
Recipients receive a certificate (Sanad) signed by the President, a medallion, shaped like a peepal leaf.
The award does not come with any monetary grant. Initially, the Bharat Ratna was not awarded posthumously, but this provision was later added.
Sachin Tendulkar is the youngest recipient and the first sportsperson to be awarded the Bharat Ratna.
The Padma Awards are one of India's highest civilian honors, conferred annually on Republic Day (January 26th) to recognize exceptional and distinguished service in various fields like art, literature, social work, science, public affairs, sports, and more.
They consist of three categories: Padma Vibhushan (for exceptional service), Padma Bhushan (for distinguished service of a high order), and Padma Shri (for distinguished service in any field).
This year, the list includes 7 Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri Awards. 23 of the awardees are women and the list also includes 10 persons from the category of Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI and 13 Posthumous awardees.
Nominations are open to the public, including self-nominations. State and Union Territory governments, central ministries, and various institutes also submit nominations. A committee constituted by the Prime Minister evaluates the nominations and recommends recipients.
It was established in 1954, initially with three categories called "Pehla Varg", "Dusra Varg", and "Tisra Varg" which were later renamed as Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri respectively.
Service Medals recognize distinguished service, dedication, and exceptional contributions by personnel in the Armed Forces, Paramilitary Forces, and Police. They are announced on Republic Day and Independence Day.
The President's Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) is awarded for a special distinguished record in service. This year, 101 PSMs were announced.
Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM) is awarded for valuable service characterized by resourcefulness and devotion to duty. 746 MSMs were announced this year.
Gallantry medals in India are awarded for acts of bravery and heroic action in wartime, peacetime, and for civilians. The main types include Wartime Awards, Peacetime Awards, Police Gallantry Medals, and Civilian Gallantry Medals.
The highest wartime gallantry awards are the Param Vir Chakra, the Mahavir Chakra, and the Vir Chakra. These are especially for armed forces personnel who demonstrate bravery in the face of the enemy.
The Param Vir Chakra is awarded for the most conspicuous act of bravery and self-sacrifice in the face of the enemy, while the Ashoka Chakra is awarded for similar acts of bravery and self-sacrifice, but not in the face of the enemy.
The highest peacetime gallantry awards are the Ashoka Chakra, the Kirti Chakra, and the Shaurya Chakra. These are given for similar acts of bravery but not in the face of the enemy.
Police gallantry medals are announced twice a year – on Republic Day and Independence Day. These medals recognize bravery, distinguished service, and exemplary conduct of police personnel.
Civilian Gallantry Medals are awarded to civilians for acts of bravery and saving lives. These include the Jeevan Raksha Padak Awards and the National Bravery Awards.
The Jeevan Raksha Padak Awards recognize civilians for lifesaving acts. They include three categories: Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak, Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak, and Jeevan Raksha Padak. Some awards may be given posthumously.
The National Bravery Award recognizes children who demonstrate exceptional courage. It is awarded by the Indian Council for Child Welfare (ICCW).
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