List of Indian National Awards - Civilian and Gallantry Awards

India, a land teeming with talent and bravery, takes pride in acknowledging the remarkable achievements of its citizens. 

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The prestigious National Awards serve as a testament to this, honoring individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields. Let's delve deeper into these esteemed accolades, categorized as Civilian Awards and Gallantry Awards.

Civilian Awards-Celebrating Excellence Across Diverse Fields

The Civilian Awards, the highest peacetime honors bestowed by the Government of India, recognize outstanding achievements in a vast array of categories. Here's a closer look at some prominent fields -

Arts, Literature, and Education

From renowned authors like Arundhati Roy and Rabindranath Tagore to groundbreaking scientists like C.V. Raman and exceptional educators like Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, these awards celebrate those who enrich India's cultural and intellectual tapestry.

Public Service

Dedicated civil servants like Dr. Manmohan Singh and social reformers like Mother Teresa, along with individuals who have made significant contributions to public service like E. Sreedharan (Metro Man), are honored in this category.

Social Welfare 

Champions for social justice like Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela (Honorary Award), humanitarians like Mother Teresa (again!), and individuals working tirelessly for the betterment of society like Kailash Satyarthi (Child rights activist) are recognized here.

Science and Engineering

India's scientific and technological advancements are driven by brilliant minds like Dr. Amartya Sen (Economics) and Satish Dhawan (Space Science). These awards celebrate exceptional researchers like Dr. G. N. Ramachandran (Crystallography) and engineers like Dr. Verghese Kurien (Milkman of India).

Trade and Industry

India's economic success hinges on the contributions of entrepreneurs like Ratan Tata and Mukesh Ambani, industrialists like Jamsetji Tata, and individuals who have made significant contributions to trade and industry like Azim Premji (Philanthropist and Businessman).

The Echelons of Civilian Awards

The Civilian Awards are presented in three tiers, each signifying a distinct level of recognition -

Bharat Ratna

The pinnacle of civilian honors, bestowed upon individuals for exceptional service or contribution to the nation. Recipients include iconic figures like Sachin Tendulkar (Cricket), Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam (Scientist and former President), and Lata Mangeshkar (Legendary Singer).

Padma Vibhushan

The second-highest civilian award, recognizing distinguished service of an exceptional order. This prestigious honor has been conferred upon personalities like Amartya Sen (Economist), Amitabh Bachchan (Actor), and M.S. Subbulakshmi (Carnatic Vocalist).

Padma Bhushan

The third-highest civilian award, given for distinguished service of a high order. Renowned artists like Satyajit Ray (Filmmaker) and M.F. Husain (Painter), along with social activists like Medha Patkar (Narmada Bachao Andolan), have been decorated with this award.

Padma Shri

The fourth-highest civilian award, recognizing distinguished service in any field. This diverse category includes personalities like cricketer Kapil Dev, chef Vikas Khanna, and environmental activist Saalumarada Thirumavalavan.

These awards are ceremoniously presented by the President of India on Republic Day, a national holiday celebrated on January 26th.

Gallantry Awards Honoring Bravery and Sacrifice Supreme

India's Gallantry Awards are bestowed upon members of the armed forces, paramilitary forces, and civilians for acts of extraordinary courage and self-sacrifice in the line of duty. Here's a breakdown of these prominent awards, recognizing valor in the face of danger -

Param Vir Chakra

The highest military decoration, awarded for the most exceptional bravery or self-sacrifice, in the face of the enemy, whether alive or dead. Only 21 individuals have received this highest honor, including Major Somnath Sharma (1947 Indo-Pak War) and Captain Vikram Batra (1999 Kargil War).

Maha Vir Chakra

The second-highest wartime gallantry award, recognizing acts of bravery in the face of the enemy. Recipients include heroes like Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey (1999 Kargil War) and Squadron Leader Rakesh Sharma (Pilot, Indo-Pakistani War of 1971).

Vir Chakra

The third-highest wartime gallantry award, conferred for acts of gallantry in the face of the enemy. This prestigious award has been bestowed upon brave soldiers like Havildar Sanjay Kumar (2016 Uri Attack) and Naik Neeraj Kumar (2019 Pulwama Attack).

Ashoka Chakra

The highest peacetime gallantry award, recognizing acts of bravery.

Written By- Qaynat Shama

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