Table of Contents
National Awards in India
National Award
National Awards are prestigious honors presented by the Government of India to recognize outstanding achievements in various fields. These awards span multiple domains, including arts, sciences, social work, education, sports, and literature. They are highly respected and often serve as a symbol of excellence and contribution to the nation. Below are some of the notable categories of National Awards in India:
- Civilian Awards
- Bharat Ratna: The highest civilian award in India.
- Padma Awards:
- Padma Vibhushan (second-highest).
- Padma Bhushan (third-highest).
- Padma Shri (fourth-highest).
- National Sports Awards
- Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award (now renamed as Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award): The highest sports honor in India.
- Arjuna Award: Recognizes consistent outstanding performance in sports.
- Dronacharya Award: For excellence in coaching.
- Dhyan Chand Award: For lifetime achievement in sports.
- Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy
- Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar
- Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award
- National Bravery Awards
- Gallantry Awards
- Param Vir Chakra : to recognize the most conspicuous bravery or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice in the presence of the enemy.
- Mahavir Chakra : to recognise the act of gallantry in the presence of the enemy.
- Ashoka Chakra : to recognize the most conspicuous bravery or some act of daring or pre-eminent act of valor or self-sacrifice otherwise than in the face of the enemy.
- Kirti Chakra
- Vir Chakra :
- Shaurya Chakra
- National Awards for Teachers
- National Science Awards
- National Literary Awards
- Jnanpith Award: The highest literary honor in India.
- Sahitya Akademi Awards: For literary works in various Indian languages.
Civilian Awards
History and Relevance
The Government of India instituted two civilian awards-Bharat Ratna & Padma Vibhushan in 1954. The latter had three classes namely Pahela Varg, Dusra Varg and Tisra Varg. These were subsequently renamed as Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri vide Presidential Notification issued on January 8, 1955.
Padma Awards, which were instituted in the year 1954, is announced every year on the occasion of Republic Day except for brief interruption(s) during the years 1978 and 1979 and 1993 to 1997.
BHARAT RATNA
- ‘Bharat Ratna’, the highest civilian Award of the country, was instituted in the year 1954.
- Any person without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex is eligible for these awards.
- It is awarded in recognition of exceptional service/performance of the highest order in any field of human endeavour.
- The recommendations for Bharat Ratna are made by the Prime Minister himself to the President. No formal recommendations for this are necessary.
- The number of annual awards is restricted to a maximum of three in a particular year.
- The actual award is shaped like a peepal leaf and has “Bharat Ratna” written beneath a sunburst motif in Devanagri script.
- On conferment of the award, the recipient receives a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion. The Award does not carry any monetary grant.
- Underneath an inscription of the state emblem, the Hindi phrase “Satyameva Jayate” is written on the back of the award statuette. The Bharat Ratna award’s symbol, sun, and rim are platinum, and the inscriptions are in polished bronze.
- Government has conferred Bharat Ratna Award on 53 persons till date.
Awards recipients are prohibited from adding “Bharat Ratna” as a prefix or suffix to their names under Article 18(1) of the Indian Constitution. In terms of Article 18 (1) of the Constitution, the award cannot be used as a prefix or suffix to the recipient’s name. However, should an award winner consider it necessary, he/she may use the following expression in their biodata/letterhead/visiting card etc. to indicate that he/she is a recipient of the award:
‘Awarded Bharat Ratna by the President’
or
‘Recipient of Bharat Ratna Award
Padma Awards
The Padma Awards are one of the highest civilian honours of India announced annually on the eve of Republic Day. The Awards are given in three categories: Padma Vibhushan (for exceptional and distinguished service), Padma Bhushan (distinguished service of higher order) and Padma Shri (distinguished service). The award seeks to recognize achievements in all fields of activities or disciplines where an element of public service is involved.
The Padma Awards are conferred on the recommendations made by the Padma Awards Committee, which is constituted by the Prime Minister every year. The nomination process is open to the public. Even self-nomination can be made.
The award is given in three categories, namely,
- Padma Vibhushan for exceptional and distinguished service;
- Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of a high order; and
- Padma Shri for distinguished service.
All persons without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex are eligible for these awards. However, Government servants including those working with PSUs, except doctors and scientists, are not eligible for these Awards.
The award seeks to recognize works of distinction and is given for distinguished and exceptional achievements/service in all fields of activities/disciplines.
Eligibility for Padma Awards
Padma Awards are some of the highest civilian awards given by the government of India to recognize the exceptional contributions made by individuals in various fields such as arts, literature, science, social work, sports, medicine, etc.
The eligibility criteria for Padma Awards are as follows:
- Any citizen of India, irrespective of their occupation, race, caste, gender, or religion, can be considered for the Padma Awards.
- The individual should have distinguished themselves in their respective field and should have made significant contributions to the society.
- The contributions made by the individual should be of exceptional and outstanding nature and should have a high level of excellence.
- The individual should have exhibited exemplary behavior, and their work should have an impact at the national or international level.
The nominations for Padma Awards are open to the public, and anyone can recommend a deserving individual. The nominations are then evaluated by an independent committee appointed by the government. The committee evaluates the nominations based on the eligibility criteria mentioned above, and the final decision is made by the government.
Selection Criteria
- It is the usual practice is to invite recommendations every year from 1st May to 15th September from all State / UT Governments, Ministries/Departments of the Government of India, Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan awardees and Institutes of Excellence. Recommendations received from them and also from other sources like Central/State Ministers, Chief Ministers/Governors of State, Members of Parliament, as also private individuals, bodies etc., are placed before the Padma Awards Committee.
- The Padma Awards Committee is constituted by the Prime Minister every year. It is headed by the Cabinet Secretary and includes Home Secretary, Secretary to the President and four to six eminent persons as members.
- While no rigid criteria or trenchant formula for selection is applied by the Padma Awards Committee, it looks for life time achievement of an individual while making a selection. There ought to be an element of public service in the achievements of the person to be selected. The award is given for ‘special services’ and not merely for long service. It should not be merely excellence in a particular field, but the criteria has to be “excellence plus”.
- Persons selected for the awards are subjected to verification by the investigating agencies of the Government with a view to ensuring that their character and antecedents are above board.
- The Padma Awards are conferred on the recommendations made by the Padma Awards Committee, which are submitted to the Prime Minister and the President for approval.
- The Awards are announced on the eve of the Republic Day every year
Different Types of Padma Awards
The Padma Awards are one of the highest civilian honors bestowed by the Indian government in recognition of exceptional achievements in various fields such as arts, literature, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, and sports. The awards are divided into three categories based on their level of recognition, which are as follows:
Padma Vibhushan:
- This is the highest category of the Padma Awards and is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service.
- This award is given to individuals who have contributed significantly to their respective fields over a long period.
- Recipients of this award are also recognized for their outstanding contribution to the nation in various areas such as art, literature, science and technology, sports, and public affairs.
Padma Bhushan:
- The second-highest category of the Padma Awards is Padma Bhushan, which is awarded for distinguished service of a high order.
- This award is given to individuals who have made notable contributions to their respective fields, and their work has had a significant impact on society.
- Recipients of this award are recognized for their exceptional contributions to the nation in various areas such as art, literature, science and technology, sports, and public affairs.
Padma Shri:
- This is the third-highest category of the Padma Awards and is awarded for distinguished service in any field.
- This award is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective fields, and their work has had a positive impact on society.
- Recipients of this award are recognized for their exceptional contributions to the nation in various areas such as art, literature, science and technology, sports, and public affairs.
Who decides
All nominations received for Padma Awards are placed before the Padma Awards Committee, which is constituted by the Prime Minister every year. The Padma Awards Committee is headed by the Cabinet Secretary and includes Home Secretary, Secretary to the President and four to six eminent persons as members. The recommendations of the committee are submitted to the Prime Minister and the President of India for approval.
National Sports Awards
The National Sports Awards are the pinnacle of sporting honours in the Republic of India. The awards are given annually to recognize and reward excellence in sports, highlight extraordinary performance at the national and international competitive events, encourage sportsmanship and promote nation-building by creating a sense of national pride and unity in a country as diverse as India. It promotes qualities like leadership, discipline, commitment, teamwork and a passion for health and fitness in the psyche of a nation with the world’s largest youth population. The awards are administered by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India.
Categories
The six categories of the National Sports Awards are:
- Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award
- Arjuna Award,
- Dronacharya Award,
- Major Dhyan Chand Award,
- Maulana Abul Kalam Azad rolling Trophy, also called the MAKA Trophy, and
- Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar
- Since 2004, the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award has also been given out along with the six National Sports Awards.
Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award
The Khel Ratna Award, also known as the Major Dhyanchand Khel Ratna Award (earlier Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award), is known as India’s prestigious sporting honour that honours athletes who have brought immense pride to the country through their exceptional performances in various sporting disciplines. This highly prestigious award is eagerly awaited as it marks the culmination of a rigorous selection process by a dedicated committee that reviews and evaluates the remarkable achievements of athletes in various sports. The selected athlete will be honoured for his exceptional contribution to Indian sports, and the award ceremony is expected to take place on National Sports Day, continuing the tradition of celebrating excellence in the field of sports on this auspicious day each year.
Arjuna Award
- Established in 1961, the Arjuna Award is one of the most prestigious honors for individual athletes in India.
- It recognizes consistent outstanding performance at the national and international levels over four years.
- The award includes a bronze statuette of Arjuna, a certificate, and a cash prize of ₹15 lakh.
- The criteria for selection include:
- Performance at international events such as the Olympics, World Championships, and Asian Games.
- Display of qualities like leadership, sportsmanship, and discipline.
- Over the years, this award has been instrumental in encouraging athletes across various disciplines to maintain high standards of performance.
Dronacharya Award
- Instituted in 1985, this award honors coaches who have successfully trained athletes or teams to achieve excellence at international events.
- It is divided into two categories:
- Regular category: For active coaches.
- Lifetime category: For coaches who have made exceptional contributions over their career.
- Recipients receive a bronze statuette, a certificate, and a cash prize of ₹15 lakh (regular category) or ₹10 lakh (lifetime category).
Dhyan Chand Award for Lifetime Achievement in Sports and Games
Another award named after India’s hockey magician Dhyan Chand, the Major Dhyan Chand Award represents India’s highest honour for lifetime achievements in sports. Presented for good performance and contributing towards the promotion of sports in an individual capacity since 2002, the winners get a Dhyan Chand statuette, a certificate and a cash prize.
Olympian boxer Shahuraj Birajdar, Indian men’s hockey team player Ashok Diwan and Aparna Ghosh, an accomplished player and coach with the Indian women’s basketball team, were the first recipients of the Major Dhyan Chand Award.
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy
The oldest National Sports Award in India, the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy or the MAKA Trophy was instituted in 1956–1957. This award is named in honour of the Indian freedom fighter and the country’s first education minister Shri Abul Kalam Azad.
It is given to an institution or university for top performance in inter-university tournaments over the last one year. The reward comprises a rolling MAKA Trophy that gets passed on to the winner each year, and a cash prize.
In 1956-57, the first Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) award was conferred upon Bombay University for promoting competitive sports, excellence in sports, and integrating sports and physical fitness in their curriculum.
Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar
Awarded to organizations or corporates (both private and public) and individuals for playing a role in the area of sports promotion and development over the last three years, the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar has been a fixture in the National Sports Awards list since 2009.
Nominees are decided in four different segments – identification and nurturing of budding and young talent, encouragement to sports through corporate social responsibility, employment of sportspersons and sports welfare measures, and sports for development. Winners from each category get a citation and a trophy. There can be multiple winners in a single category in a year.
The Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar was instituted in 2009. Tata Steel Limited received two awards for the categories of Community Sports Identification and Nurturing of Budding Talent as well as Establishment and Management of Sports Academies of Excellence on the 29th August 2009.[5]
Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award
Instituted in 1993-1994, the National Adventure Awards now known as the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award was presented for the year 1994 in 1995.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India confers the National Adventure Award called “Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award” (TNNAA) in order to recognize the achievements of persons associated in the field of adventure and to encourage young people to develop the spirit of endurance, risk-taking, cooperative teamwork and quick, ready and effective reflexes in challenging situations.
The award consists of a bronze statuette, a certificate, a blazer with a silken tie/a saree, and award money of ₹ 15,00,000. The Awards are presented to the winners along with Arjuna Awards by the Government of India.
Usually, One Award is given in four categories namely, Land Adventure, Water (Sea) Adventure, Air Adventure, and Life Time Achievement for adventure activities on Land, Sea, and Air. Achievements for the last 3 years are considered for the 3 categories namely Land Adventure, Water (Sea) Adventure, and Air Adventure and for the Life Time Achievement award, the achievement of the entire career is considered.
The nominations for the TNNAA are invited through the portal https://awards.gov.in. Any person having excellent performance and outstanding qualities of leadership, a sense of adventure discipline, and continuous achievement in one particular field of adventure viz. Land, Air, or Water (Sea) may apply for the award through the above portal.
Eligibility and Selection Process
The selection criteria for these awards are stringent and designed to uphold the integrity and prestige of the honors. The process involves multiple stages, ensuring transparency and meritocracy.
- Eligibility
- Khel Ratna: Requires sustained excellence at the international level.
- Arjuna Award: Considers consistent national and international performances over four years.
- Dronacharya Award: Evaluates the coach’s track record in mentoring athletes to achieve global success.
- Dhyan Chand Award: Focuses on lifetime achievements and continued contribution to sports after retirement.
- Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar: Open to corporate entities, NGOs, and individuals contributing to sports promotion.
- Nomination Process
- Nominations are invited from National Sports Federations (NSFs), Indian Olympic Association (IOA), and other sports bodies.
- Self-nominations are also accepted.
- Selection Committees
- Independent committees, constituted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, evaluate the nominations.
- Committees comprise former athletes, coaches, and experts.
- Evaluation Criteria
- Points-based systems are used to assess achievements.
- Consideration is given to performance consistency, impact on sports, and contributions beyond personal achievements.
- Approval
- Final recommendations are sent to the Ministry for approval.
- The President of India confers the awards in a formal ceremony.
Impact of the Awards
- Inspiration for Athletes
- Recognizing achievements motivates athletes to strive for excellence.
- The awards create role models for aspiring sportspersons.
- Encouragement for Coaches and Organizations
- Acknowledging coaches highlights their critical role in shaping champions.
- Organizations are incentivized to invest in sports infrastructure and talent.
- Promotion of Sports Culture
- Celebrating achievements fosters national pride and a culture of sports appreciation.
- The awards contribute to increased public awareness and participation.
National Bravery Awards
The National Bravery Awards programme gives due recognition to children who distinguish themselves by performing outstanding deeds of bravery and seeks to inspire other children to emulate their example. The deed should be “an act of spontaneous selfless service in.the face of risk to life or threat of physical injury and or an act of courage and daring against a social evil/crime”. An instance of courage in 1957 was the genesis of the National Bravery Awards.
On February 4th, 1958 the then Prime Minister Nehru presented the very first Awards for courage and service to two children. Since then Indian Council for Child Welfare (ICCW) confers national awards on children every year.
- Process of inviting applications : Nominations are invited through State/Union Territory Councils of ICCW, various Departments of the State Government including Director Generals and Commissioners of Police of States and Union Territories.
- Age-limit : The child should not be below 6 years and above 18 years of age on the date of the incident.
- Award : The Awardees receive a medal, a certificate and cash award. Gifts are given by philanthropic organizations.
Gallantry Awards
Gallantry Awards have been instituted by the Government of India to honour the acts of bravery and sacrifice of the officers/personnel of the Armed Forces, other lawfully constituted Forces and civilians. These gallantry awards are announced twice in a year – first on the occasion of the Republic Day and then on the occasion of the Independence Day.
PARAM VIR CHAKRA
Instituted on 26 Jan 1950, to recognize the most conspicuous bravery or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice in the presence of the enemy.
Medal: Circular in shape, made of bronze, one and three eighth inches in diameter and on obverse, four replicas of “Indra’s Vajra” with the State Emblem (including the motto), embossed in the centre. On its reverse, it shall have embossed Param Vir Chakra both in Hindi and English with two lotus flowers between Hindi and English. The fitting will be swivel mounting.
Ribbon: Plain purple coloured ribbon.
Bar: If any recipient of the Chakra again performs such an act of bravery, as makes him or her eligible to receive the Chakra, such further act of bravery shall be recorded by a Bar to be attached to the riband by which the Chakra is suspended. For every Bar awarded, a replica of the “Indra’s Vajra” in miniature shall be added to the riband when worn alone.
Personnel Eligible: The following categories of personnel shall be eligible for the Chakra :-
- Officers, men and women of all ranks of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force, of any of the Reserve Forces, of the Territorial Army, Militia and of any other lawfully constituted Armed Forces.
- Matrons, Sisters, Nurses and the staff of the Nursing Services and other Services pertaining to Hospitals and Nursing and Civilians of either sex serving regularly or temporarily under the orders, directions or supervision of any of the above-mentioned Forces.
Conditions of Eligibility: The Chakra is awarded for most conspicuous bravery or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self sacrifice, in the presence of the enemy, whether on land, at sea, or in the air. The decoration may be awarded posthumously.
Monetary Allowance: Rs. 3000/- and each bar to the decoration will carry the same amount of monetary allowance as admissible to the original award with effect from 01.01.1996.
MAHAVIR CHAKRA
Instituted on 26 Jan 1950 to recognise the act of gallantry in the presence of the enemy.
Medal: Circular in shape and is made of standard silver, and is embossed on the obverse a five pointed heraldic star with the points of the star just touching the rim. Medal shall be one and three eighth inches in diameter. The State emblem (including motto) is embossed in the centre-piece which is dorned. The star is polished and the centre piece is in gold gilt. On the reverse it will have embossed Maha Vir Chakra both in Hindi and English with two lotus flowers between Hindi and English. The fitting is swivel mounting.
Ribbon: The ribbon is of a half-white and half-orange colour.
Bar: If any recipient of the Chakra again performs such an act of bravery, as makes him or her eligible to receive the Chakra, such further act of bravery will be recorded by a Bar to be attached to the riband by which the chakra is suspended. For every Bar awarded, a replica of the Chakra in miniature shall be added to the riband when worn alone.
Personnel Eligible: The following categories of personnel shall be eligible for the Chakra :-
- Officers, men and women of all ranks of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force, of any of the Reserve Forces, of the Territorial Army, Militia and of any other lawfully constituted Armed Forces.
- Matrons, Sisters, Nurses and the staff of the Nursing Services and other Services pertaining to Hospitals and Nursing and Civilians of either sex serving regularly or temporarily under the orders, directions or supervision of any of the above-mentioned Forces.
Conditions of Eligibility: The medal is awarded for gallantry in the presence of the enemy on land, at sea or in the air. The decoration may be awarded posthumously.Monetary Allowance. Rs. 2400/- pm and each bar to the decoration will carry the same amount of monetary allowance as admissible to the original award with effect from 01.02.1999.
ASHOKA CHAKRA
Instituted on 04 Jan 1952 and renamed on 27 Jan 1967 to recognize the most conspicuous bravery or some act of daring or pre-eminent act of valor or self-sacrifice otherwise than in the face of the enemy.
Medal: Circular in shape, one and three eighth inches in diameter with rims on both sides and will be of gold-gilt. On the obverse, it shall have embossed a replica of Ashoka’s Chakra in the centre surrounded by a lotus wreath. On its reverse shall be embossed the words “Ashoka Chakra” both in Hindi and English, the two versions being separated by two lotus flowers.
Ribbon: Green colour ribbon divided into two equal segments by an orange vertical line.
Bar: If a recipient of the Chakra again performs such an act of gallantry as would have made him or her eligible to receive the Chakra, such further act of gallantry shall be recognised by a Bar to be attached to the riband by which the Chakra is suspended and, for every subsequent act of gallantry, an additional Bar shall be added. For every such Bar, a replica of the Chakra in miniature shall be added to the riband when worn alone.
Personnel Eligible: The following categories of personnel shall be eligible for the Chakra :-
- Officers, men and women of all ranks of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force, of any of the Reserve Forces, of the Territorial Army, Militia and of any other lawfully constituted Armed Forces.
- Members of the Nursing Services of the Armed Forces.
- Civilian citizens of either sex in all walks of life and members of Police Forces including Central Para-Military Forces and Railway Protection Force.
Conditions of Eligibility: The Chakra is awarded for most conspicuous bravery or some act of daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice otherwise than in the face of the enemy. The decoration may be awarded posthumously.Monetary Allowance. Rs. 2800/- and each bar to the decoration will carry the same amount of monetary allowance as admissible to the original award with effect from 01.02.1999.
KIRTI CHAKRA
The Kirti Chakra award for gallantry was first instituted on 04 Jan1952 as Ashoka Chakra class -II. It was redesingated as Kirti Chakra on 27 Jan 1967.
Medal: Circular in shape and is made of standard silver, one and three eight inches in diameter. On the obverse of the medal shall be embossed a replica of Ashoka Chakra in the centre, surrounded by a lotus wreath. On its reverse shall be embossed the words KIRTI CHAKRA both in Hindi and in English the versions being separated by two lotus flowers.
Ribbon: Green colour ribbon divided into three equal parts by two orange vertical lines.
Bar: If a recipient of the Chakra again performs such an act of gallantry as would have made him or her eligible to receive the Chakra, such further act of bravery shall be recognised by a Bar to be attached to the riband by which the Chakra is suspended. For every Bar awarded, a replica of the Chakra in miniature shall be added to the riband when worn alone.
Personnel Eligible: The following categories of personnel shall be eligible for the Chakra :-
- Officers, men and women of all ranks of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force, of any of the Reserve Forces, of the Territorial Army, Militia and of any other lawfully constituted Armed Forces.
- Members of the Nursing Services of the Armed Forces.
- Civilian citizens of either sex in all walks of life and members of Police Forces including Central Para-Military Forces and Railway Protection Force.
Conditions of Eligibility: The medal is awarded for conspicuous gallantry otherwise than in the face of the enemy. The decoration may be awarded posthumously.Monetary Allowance. Rs. 2100/- pm and each bar to the decoration will carry the same amount of monetary allowance as admissible to the original award with effect from 01.02.1999.
VIR CHAKRA
Instituted on 26 Jan 1950 and awarded for acts of Gallantry in the presence of the enemy.
Medal: Circular in shape and is made of standard silver, and is embossed on the obverse a five pointed heraldic star with the points of the star just touching the rim. The State Emblem (including motto) is embossed in the centre-piece which is domed. The star is polished and the centre piece is in gold gilt. On the reverse it will have embossed Vir Chakra both in Hindi and English with two lotus flowers between Hindi and English wording. The fitting is swivel mounting.
Ribbon: The ribbon is of half blue and half orange in colour.
Bar: If any recipient of the Chakra again performs such an act of bravery, as makes him or her eligible to receive the Chakra, such further act of bravery will be recorded by a Bar to be attached to the riband by which the Chakra is suspended. Any such Bar or Bars may also be awarded posthumously. For every Bar awarded, a replica of the Chakra in miniature shall be added to the riband when worn alone.
Personnel Eligible: The following categories of personnel shall be eligible for the Chakra :-
- Officers, men and women of all ranks of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force, of any of the Reserve Forces, of the Territorial Army, Militia and of any other lawfully constituted Armed Forces.
- Matrons, Sisters, Nurses and the staff of the Nursing Services and other Services pertaining to Hospitals and Nursing and Civilians of either sex serving regularly or temporarily under the orders, directions or supervision of any of the above-mentioned Forces.
Conditions of Eligibility: The Chakra is awarded for acts of gallantry in the presence of the enemy, whether on land or at sea or in the air. The decoration may be awarded posthumously.Monetary Allowance. Rs. 1700/- pm and each bar to the decoration will carry the same amount of monetary allowance as admissible to the original awards with effect from 01.02.1999.
SHAURYA CHAKRA
Instituted on 4 Jan 1952 as Ashoka Chakra Class-III and renamed on 27 Jan 1967 as Shaurya Chakra and awarded for gallantry, otherwise than in the face of the enemy.
Medal: Circular in shape and of bronze, one and three-eighth inches in diameter. On the obverse of the medal shall have embossed a replica of Ashoka Chakra in the centre, surrounded by a lotus wreath. On its reverse shall be embossed the words “SHAURYA CHAKRA” both in Hindi and English, the two versions being separated by two lotus flowers.
Ribbon: Green colour ribbon divided into four equal parts by three vertical lines.
Bar: If any recipient of the Chakra again performs such an act of gallantry as makes him or her eligible to receive the Chakra, such further act of gallantry will be recorded by a Bar to be attached to the riband by which the Chakra is suspended. For every Bar awarded, a replica of the Chakra in miniature shall be added to the riband when worn alone.
Personnel Eligible: The following categories of personnel shall be eligible for the Chakra :-
- Officers, men and women of all ranks of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force, of any of the Reserve Forces, of the Territorial Army, Militia and of any other lawfully constituted Forces.
- Members of the Nursing Services of the Armed Forces.
- Civilian citizens of either sex in all walks of life and members of Police Forces including Central Para-Military Forces and Railway Protection Force.
Conditions of Eligibility: The Chakra is awarded for gallantry otherwise than in the face of the enemy. The decoration may be awarded posthumously.
Monetary Allowance: Rs.1500/- pm and each bar to the decoration will carry the same amount of monetary allowance as admissible to the original award with effect from 01.02.1999.
National Teacher’s Award
The National Awards to Teachers were first instituted in 1958 to recognize excellence and commitment of teachers in shaping the minds as well as future of the youth. From mid-60s, 5th September came to be the fixed date for the function on account of birthday of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, former President of India. The award was to accord public recognition to meritorious teachers working in elementary and secondary schools.
The purpose of National Awards to Teachers is to celebrate the unique contribution of some of the finest teachers in the country and to honor those teachers who through their commitment and industry have not only improved the quality of school education but also enriched the lives of their students.
No. of Awardees : Fifty Awards (25 in Category II and 25 in Category III) shall be conferred annually.
Ceremony Details : The ceremony is held on 5th September every year.
Benefits : medal, certificate, Cash Prize of ₹ 50,000/-
Eligibility : The award is open to all the faculty members of colleges/universities/higher educational institutions in India, satisfying the following conditions:
- Should be a regular faculty member.
- Should have at least five years of full-time teaching experience at the Undergraduate and/or Post-graduate level.
- Should not be above 55 years of age as of the last date of receiving an application for the awards.
- Vice-Chancellor/ Director/Principal (regular or officiating) are NOT eligible to apply.
Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar
The establishment of this award was announced in January 2024 and the names of the first set of awardees were announced in August 2024 and distributed on National Space Day on 23 August 2024. The award consists of a certificate signed by the President of India and a medal.
Science and technology are the pillars of societal progress, driven by the relentless pursuit of knowledge and innovation. In India, the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) stands as one of the highest recognitions in the field of science, technology, and innovation. Established to acknowledge and inspire the remarkable contributions of scientists, technologists, and innovators, the RVP honors those who have made path-breaking discoveries and advancements that significantly impact society.
Categories of the Award
The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar is awarded in four distinct categories:
- Vigyan Ratna (VR) Award : This is the highest honor, awarded for lifetime achievements in any field of science and technology.
- Vigyan Shri (VS) Award : Recognizes distinguished contributions in any field of science and technology.
- Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB) Award : Honors young scientists who have made exceptional contributions in science and technology.
- Vigyan Team (VT) Award : Given to a team of three or more scientists/researchers/innovators who have made significant contributions in their field through collaborative work.
National Literary Awards
Jnanpith Award
The Jnanpith Award was started in 1961 by Sahu Shanti Prasad Jain of the Times of India Group. The Jnanpith Award is India’s highest literary award given to Indian writers by the Government of India. The writer must be an Indian citizen, who writes in a language recognized by the Indian Constitution. The writer receives a cash prize of Rs 11 lakh and a statue of Goddess Saraswati. Nominations for India’s highest honor in the field of literature can be received from literary experts, teachers, critics, universities and literary associations. A committee of 3 scholars evaluates the nominations and sends a final list of seven to eleven members to the selection committee. The 55th and latest recipient of India’s highest honor in the field of literature is Akkitham Achuthan Namboodiri, who was given this award for his work in Malayalam and the award was announced in 2019. The winner of Jnanpith Award 2021 was Damodar Mauzo.
Sahitya Akademi Award
The Sahitya Akademi Award was started in 1954, this award is given every year to Indian writers who have written in any of the 24 languages recognized by the Sahitya Akademi in the last five years, not including the year preceding the year of announcement of the award. Along with a plaque, the author is given a prize of Rs 1 lakh. Two experts prepare a base list for each language. The experts are selected from a list of 5 by the Chairman of the Akademi. Each Language Advisory Board member will recommend two books from the base list and the list of recommended books is sent to 10 referees. Each referee can recommend two books. The list of books recommended by the referees is then sent to the 3-member Sahitya Akademi Award Jury which selects the winner.
The awards are announced by March of the following year. Prominent among them are Mr. M. Veerappa Moily for Kannada and Ms. Arundhati Subramaniam for English.
Yuva Puraskar
Yuva Puraskar Instituted in 2011, Yuva Puraskar is an award given by Sahitya Akademi to promote writing among youth for a writer’s first book or best book. The awardee should be below 35 years of age on 1st January of the year of the award and the work should be in one of the 24 languages recognised by the Akademi. The award consists of a cash prize of Rs 50,000 and a copper plaque.
The Yuva Puraskar winners for 2020 include Yashika Dutt and Ankit Narwal in English and Hindi respectively. Entries are sought from authors and publishers through advertisements and the list of eligible books is sent to the members of the Bhasha Advisory Board, each of whom can recommend 2 books. These recommendations are then sent to 10 referees and each is requested to select 2 books.
Saraswati Samman
The K.K. Birla Foundation instituted the Saraswati Samman award in 1991. This private award carries a cash prize of Rs 15 lakh. The Indian literary award Saraswati Samman is given annually for outstanding contributions to writers for their work in 22 Indian languages recognised by the Constitution and does not include English. Nominees are selected from literary works published in the last ten years by a panel of scholars and former award winners. It also considers works published in the last one year and the previous ten years. The latest Saraswati Samman 2020 winner is Sharankumar Limbale for his Marathi novel Sanatan. India’s first book award was given to Harivansh Rai Bachchan in 1991.
You May Like to Browers More


