Government Awards

   Awards are the respect and honour conferred to the people for their services to the nation in various capacities.

There are two categories of Awards in India :

1. Civilian Awards
2. Gallantry Awards

Civilian Awards

These awards are presented to the respective recipients by the President of India on Republic Day since 1954.

These awards conferred are:

1. Bharat Ratna- 1st degree of honour
2. Padma Vibhushan- 2nd degree of honour
3. Padma Bhushan- 3rd degree of honour
4. Padma Shri- 4th degree of honour

Bharat Ratna

Bharat Ratna is the highest Civilian Award in India in the field of Science, Literature, Arts and Public Services. In 2013, sports were also included in this award category.

The award has the shape of a peepal leaf and is bronze-toned. The award has the emblem of Sun in the middle, and the words “Bharat Ratna” are inscribed below the emblem in Devanagari Script. On the reverse side, it has the State Emblem and State Motto.

Padma Vibhushan

Padma Vibushan is the second-highest civilian award with distinguished achievements in the field of Arts, Literature, Science, Public Services.

This award has a circular shape with a geometric pattern superimposed on the circle and is toned bronze. In the centre of the circle, a lotus flower is embossed. The word “Padma” and “Vibushan” are inscribed above and below the lotus flower in Devnagri Script. On the reverse side, it has the State Emblem and State Motto.

Padma Bhushan

This is the third-highest civilian award for service in any field including service rendered by Government servants including doctors and scientists, but exclude those working with the public sector undertakings.

This award has a similar design to the Padma Vibhushan. All the embossing is done in gold.

Padma Shri

Padma Shri is the fourth highest civilian award. This award is conferred to people for achievements in any field including the service rendered by the Government employees.

Gallantry Awards

Gallantry Awards are presented to the personnel in the forces for bravery and valour.

1. Param Vir Chakra
2. Ashoka Chakra
3. Mahavir Chakra
4. Kirti Chakra
5. Vir Chakra
6. Shaurya Chakra

Major facts about the Gallantry Awards

• The first 3 awards in this category that came into existence after independence are- Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Vir Chakra.
• These awards are conferred twice a year- on Republic Day and Independence Day.
• The other 3 gallantry awards were introduced in 1952

Param Vir Chakra

Param Vir Chakra is the highest order of recognition in the Military and is conferred to personnel who have performed a distinguished act of valour at the time of war.

Mahavir Chakra

The Maha Vir Chakra is the second-highest military honorary award in India, after the Param Vir Chakra, and is awarded for acts of conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy, whether on land, at sea or in the air. It replaced the British Distinguished Service Order (DSO).

Vir Chakra

Vir Chakra is the third-highest honorary gallantry award in India and is conferred to personnel for acts of gallantry in the presence of the enemy on the battlefield.

Ashoka Chakra (Highest gallantry award of peace time)

Ashok Chakra is conferred to civilians or military personnel for most conspicuous bravery or some act of daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield.

Kirti Chakra

This award is presented to the Indian military decoration awarded for valour, courageous action or self-sacrifice away from the field of battle and is awarded to civilians as well as military personnel.

Shaurya Chakra

The Shaurya Chakra is an Indian military decoration awarded for valour, courageous action or self-sacrifice while not engaged in direct action with the enemy.