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Bharat Ratna & Padma Awards

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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.

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