Padma Awards: India’s Top Civilian Honors Explained

If you ever wonder why you see names like Shreya Ghoshal or Rahul Dravid linked with a special medal, it’s because they received one of the Padma Awards. These awards are the country’s way of saying ‘thanks’ to people who have done something big in their field – be it arts, science, public service, or sports.

What Are the Padma Awards?

The Padma Awards are three civilian honors given by the President of India every year on Republic Day (26 January). They sit right below the Bharat Ratna, the nation’s highest award. The three levels are:

• Padma Vibhushan – the second‑highest honor, for exceptional and distinguished service.
• Padma Bhushan – for distinguished service of a high order.
• Padma Shri – for distinguished service in any field.

Anyone can be nominated – you don’t have to be a celebrity. Government departments, past awardees, or even ordinary citizens can submit a name. The nomination goes to a committee that looks at the candidate’s impact, originality, and how they’ve helped society.

How the Awards Are Chosen and Recent Highlights

The selection committee works quietly for months, reviewing thousands of nominations. They aim for a mix of well‑known and unsung heroes, balanced across regions and professions. Once the list is ready, the president approves it and the names are announced in January.

In the latest round, you’ll notice a surge in tech innovators and grassroots activists. For example, Dr. Ritu Kar got the Padma Shri for her work in affordable medical devices, while Radhika Dutta earned a Padma Bhushan for reviving Indian folk music. Sports saw big names too – the legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar was honored with a Padma Vibhushan for his lifelong contribution.

What’s cool is that the awards also recognize everyday people making a difference. A school teacher from a remote village who introduced solar power to his school got a Padma Shri, showing that the honors aren’t just for big‑city fame.

People often ask: “Can I apply for a Padma Award?” The short answer is no – you can’t apply yourself. But you can definitely nominate someone you think deserves it. The nomination form is online, and you’ll need to give clear evidence of the person’s achievements, like awards, publications, or media coverage.

Once the awards are announced, the ceremony takes place at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Recipients receive a medallion, a certificate, and the right to use the award title in their name. Many winners say the honor opens doors – more speaking invites, project funding, and even international collaborations.

That’s the gist of the Padma Awards. They celebrate the best of India, from Nobel‑winning scientists to local changemakers. Whether you’re spotting the name in the news or thinking of nominating a friend, you now know why these medals matter and how they’re handed out.