Have you ever questioned yourself Why do you work? To earn money? To get success? To get fame, honor, and self-realization? Each one of us is driven by a completely different set of compulsions, but one thing is certain not all those who strive get success, and that is where awards and public recognition come in. Awards and honor do not only acknowledge success but it recognize many other qualities like ability, struggle, effort, and above all excellence. That is the reason why we value National Awards because it shows that a person’s achievement is appreciated and commended. Awards in India are given in various categories.
So, this article is all about different categories of awards given to individuals for a variety of services to the Republic of India. These Top 15 Awards are amongst the most prestigious awards of India which are being conferred by the Government of India.
Top 15 Honorary Awards given in India
1. Bharat Ratna (Highest Civilian Award of India)
Bharat Ratna is considered the highest civilian award and is conferred for achievements in various fields of Science, Arts, Literature, Sports, and Public Services. Recipients of this award receive a certificate signed by the President of India and a Peepal leaf-shaped medallion. Chakravarti Rajagopalachari was the first recipient of this award in 1954.
2. Padma Vibushan (Second Highest Civilian Award of India)
Padma Vibushan is ranked second in the order of highest civilian award after Bharat Ratna. This award is given for exceptional and distinguished services like Science, art, and public service including services rendered by Government servants. The Medal awarded is decorated in a circular design with a lotus flower embossed in the circular space. Satyendra Nath Bose was the first recipient of Padma Vibushan in 1954.
3. Padma Bhushan (Third Highest Civilian Award of India)
Padma Bhushan is ranked the third highest honor after the Bharat Ratna awards. This award is given for exceptional and distinguished service of a high order in any field including Government servants as well. The medal given is of the same design as that of Padma Vibushan with a change in inscription as Padma Bhushan. Homi Jahangir was the first recipient of this award in 1954.
4. Padma Shri (Fourth Highest Civilian Award of India)
Padma Shri is the fourth Highest Civilian Award of India and is given for exceptional services in any field including the services rendered by Government servants. The medal given is of the same design as that of Padma Vibushan with a change in inscription as Padma Shri. Dr. Mathura Das was the first recipient of this award in 1954.
5. Param Vir Chakra (Highest Military Award)
Param Vir Chakra is the Highest Military Award conferred to army personals for their acts of extreme bravery, valour, courage or self-sacrifice for saving others in front of enemies at borders. Major Somnath Sharma was the first recipient award posthumously for his performance during the war of 1947 to evict the Pakistan-supported intruders in Kashmir.
6. Mahavir Chakra (Second Highest Military Award)
Mahavir Chakra is considered as the second highest Military award in the category of Gallantry awards given for the act of conspicuous gallantry in the presence of enemies at borders. The Medal is made of silver and is circular in shape with a five-point heralded star and a domed center piece bearing the gilded National emblem in the center. Lt. Col Dewan Rajit Rai was the first recipient of this award in 1947.
7. Vir Chakra (Third Highest Military Award)
Vir Chakra is the third-highest military award given for the act of gallantry in the presence of the enemy, whether on land, at sea, or in the air. The medal is the same with Ashoka Chakra in center and the inscription as Vir Chakra. Sub. N Bheemaiah was the first person to receive this award in the year 1947.
8. Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award (National Sports Award)
Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award is the highest rank National sports award conferred in the memory of Late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. The recipient of this award receives a certificate, a medal, and a cash prize of Rs7.5Lakhs. Vishwanathan Anand was the first recipient of this award in 1991.
9. Dronacharya Award (National Sports Award)
Dronacharya Award is given in the teaching and coaching field of sports. The recipient of this award receives a bronze statue of Dronacharya, a certificate, and a cash prize of Rs3Lakhs. O M Nambiar, Om Prakash Bhardwaj, and B B Bhagwat were the first recipients of this award in the year 1985.
10. Arjuna Award (National Sports Award)
Arjuna Award is the oldest National Sports Award of India, conferred by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The recipient of this award receives a bronze statue of Arjuna, a certificate and a cash prize of Rs5Lakhs. There were many Arjun award winners in the year 1961 when this award was introduced, among them Saleem Durani received in Cricket.
11. Dhyan Chand Award (National Sports Award)
Dhyan Chand Award is the highest sports award for lifetime achievement conferred in memory of Hockey legend Dhyan Chand. The recipient of this award receives a shield, a certificate, and a cash prize of Rs5Lakhs. Aparna Ghosh was the first recipient of this award in the year 2002.
12. Gyanpeeth Award/Jnanpith Award (Highest Indian Literary Award)
Gyanpeeth Award now known as the Jnanpith Award is considered the highest literature award conferred to those citizens who have done some exemplary literature works in any of the official languages of India. The recipient of this award receives a bronze goddess Saraswati idol and a cash prize of Rs11Lakhs. G Shankar Kurup is the first recipient of this award in the year 1961.
13. Dadasaheb Phalke Award (Indian Cinema Award)
Dadasaheb Phalke Award is the highest award of Indian Cinema conferred by Directors of Film, Festivals, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. The recipient of this award receives a medal of Golden Lotus, a shawl, a silk scroll, and a cash prize of Rs10Lakh. Devika Rani was the first recipient of this award in the year 1969.
14. Gandhi Peace Prize Award (International Award)
Gandhi Peace Prize award is considered as an important international award given by the Government of India for works related to humanitarian steps, social service, and works related to the betterment of the community. It commemorates the 125th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The recipient of this award receives a plaque, a certificate, and a cash prize of Rs 1 Crore. Julius Nyerere was the first recipient of this award in the year 1995.
15. Aditya Vikram Birla Kalashikhar Puraskar
This award is conferred on artists on the field of visual and performing arts for lifetime achievement. Recipient of this award receives a memento, scroll of honour and a cash prize of Rs2Lakh. Lata Mangeshkar was the first recipient of this award in the year 1996.
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