How Many Awards in India

Introduction

An award is a symbol of recognition and distinction bestowed upon individuals for their outstanding achievements in a particular field. These tokens of appreciation can take many forms, from medals and ribbons to other items designed for wearing, which are commonly referred to as decorations. Awards are a way to honour and acknowledge the hard work and dedication of those who have accomplished something noteworthy. In India, the list of awards is extensive, as people in various fields have made significant contributions and accomplished great feats. This is an important topic for all members of society to be aware of, particularly for those preparing for government exams like the UPSC.

Awards are generally categorised into two categories: Civilian awards and Gallantry awards. Civilian awards are given to individuals for outstanding contributions in various fields such as science, literature, public service, and more. Gallantry awards, on the other hand, are given for acts of bravery and valour. These awards recognise the heroic actions of individuals in the face of danger. Both types of awards are essential, as they represent the values and ideals that make a society great and recognize the people who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. Understanding the awards and the people who have been honoured with them is an important way to understand the history and culture of a country.

Civilian Awards

Civilian Awards are a way to honour individuals for their outstanding contributions and achievements in their respective fields. These awards are bestowed by the President of India on Republic Day and are categorized according to the level of honour they represent. The highest level of honour is the Bharat Ratna, which is awarded for exceptional contributions in the fields of science, literature, arts, sports, and public service. The second-highest civilian award is the Padma Vibhushan, which is given to individuals for distinguished achievements in arts, literature, science, and public service.

The Padma Bhushan is the third-highest civilian award, and is presented to those who have made notable contributions in various fields, including service rendered by government servants and doctors and scientists, but excludes those working in public sector undertakings. The fourth-highest civilian award is the Padma Shri, which is given to individuals for achievements in any field, including service rendered by government employees.

Gallantry Awards

Gallantry Awards, on the other hand, are presented to members of the armed forces for acts of bravery and valor. The highest gallantry award is the Param Vir Chakra, followed by the Ashoka Chakra, Mahavir Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Vir Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra. These awards were established after independence, with the first three being the Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, and Vir Chakra. These awards are presented twice a year, on Republic Day and Independence Day. The other three gallantry awards were introduced in 1952, originally as the Ashok Chakra Class I, Ashok Chakra Class II, and Ashok Chakra Class III. Later they were re-named as Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra.

Conclusion

The selection process for Gallantry Awards is a rigorous and thorough one, designed to ensure that only the most deserving candidates are recognized for their bravery and valor. The process begins with the nomination of candidates by the respective armed forces units. Names of recommended personnel are then sent to the Service Headquarters, where they are reviewed and vetted by a committee of commanders in the chain of command. This committee, known as the Awards Committee, verifies the list and gets it approved by the Chiefs before forwarding the proposal to the Ministry of Defence for final approval.

It's worth noting that the selection process for Gallantry Awards is fair and unbiased, with no discrimination based on gender or any other factors. Every nominee is evaluated based on their own merits and achievements, ensuring that only the most deserving individuals are recognized for their heroic actions.