Bharat Ratna & Padma Awards

Key Points

• Purpose: India's highest civilian award for exceptional service in any field.
• Recommendation: By the Prime Minister to the President; no formal recommendation required.
• Recognition: Includes a Sanad (certificate) and medallion; no monetary benefits.
• Establishment: Instituted on January 2, 1954, by Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
• Restrictions:
  • Article 18(1) prohibits using Bharat Ratna as a title.
  • Permitted in biodata or official documents with phrases like "Awarded Bharat Ratna."
     

Notable Facts

• First Awardees (1964): Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, Dr. C.V. Raman, C. Rajagopalachari.
• Posthumous Awards: Allowed since 1966 (first to Lal Bahadur Shastri).
• Non-Indians Awarded: Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela, Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan.
• Youngest Recipient: Sachin Tendulkar in 2014.
• Medal Design:
  • Peepal leaf-shaped with "Bharat Ratna" and a sunburst on the front.
  • Reverse side: Satyameva Jayate and state emblem.
  • Made of platinum and bronze, manufactured at Kolkata's Alipore Mint.
     

2024 Recipients

• P.V. Narasimha Rao: Known for economic reforms and foreign policy initiatives.
• Chaudhary Charan Singh: Focused on agrarian reforms, zamindari abolition, and soil conservation.
• M.S. Swaminathan: Renowned agricultural scientist (details not provided here).
• L.K. Advani: Veteran political leader (details not provided here).
• Karpoori Thakur: Prominent social reformer (details not provided here).
   

Padma Awards

Categories

• Padma Vibhushan: Exceptional and distinguished service.
• Padma Bhushan: Distinguished service of a high order.
• Padma Shri: Distinguished service in any field.
   

Eligibility and Regulations

• Open to all, except serving government servants (except doctors/scientists).
• Higher awards can be given after a 5-year gap, with exceptions allowed.
• Total annual awards capped at 120 (excluding posthumous/non-residents).
   

Process

• Recommendations by the Padma Award Committee (headed by the Cabinet Secretary).
• Approved by the Prime Minister and President.