Padma Awards 2023 Announced

What are the Padma Awards?

The Padma Awards are India's highest civilian honours. These awards are given out each year on the eve of Republic Day. The awards are divided into three categories - Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri.

The award is given to reward achievements in all activities, including some form of public service. These honours are given in various professions, such as art, social work, science and engineering, medicine, literature, etc. The President of India gives these awards at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhawan.

How are these awards given?

The Padma Awards are given out based on the Padma Awards Committee's recommendations. The recommendations are sent to the Prime Minister and President for approval. While there is no established method for selection, the Padma Awards Committee considers an individual's lifetime achievements while making a decision.

The chosen individual's achievements should contain some public service. This year, 106 Padma Awards have been given, which include 6 Padma Vibhushans, 9 Padma Bhushans, and 91 Padma Shri awards.

Some famous people to have received the Padma awards this year are former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav, tabla player Zakir Hussain, Sudha Murty (chairperson of Infosys Foundation), etc.

What do the Padma Awardees receive?

The recipients do not receive a cash reward. They are instead presented with a medallion and a certificate signed by the President. They are allowed to wear this medallion at public and official functions. A recipient can also choose to not accept the award.