Indian honours system
The Indian honours system is the system of awards given to individuals for a variety of services to the Republic of India.
Civilian awards
Bharat Ratna
The Bharat Ratna,[1] the highest civilian award of the country, was instituted in the year 1954. Any person without distinction of race, occupation, position, or gender is eligible for this award. It is awarded in recognition of exceptional service/performance of the highest order in any field of human endeavour. On conferment of the award, the recipient receives a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion. The Award does not carry any monetary grant.
Padma awards
Padma Awards[2] were instituted in the year 1954. Except for brief interruptions during the years 1977 to 1980 and 1993 to 1997, these awards have been announced every year on Republic Day. The award is given in three categories, viz. Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, in the decreasing order of importance.
- Padma Vibhushan for "exceptional and distinguished service".
- Padma Bhushan for "distinguished service of a high order".
- Padma Shri is awarded for "distinguished service".
The award seeks to recognize work of any distinction and is given for distinguished and exceptional achievements/service in all fields of activities/disciplines, such as art, literature and education, Sports, medicine, social work, science and engineering, public affairs, civil service, trade and industry, etc. All persons without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex are eligible for these awards.
Military Awards
Wartime gallantry awards
- Param Vir Chakra — Highest military award for, equivalent to the Victoria Cross (which was replaced once India gained its independence).
- Maha Vir Chakra – The Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) is the second highest military decoration in India and is awarded for acts of conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy, whether on land, at sea or in the air.
- Vir Chakra – Third in precedence in the awards for wartime gallantry
Peacetime gallantry awards
- Ashok Chakra Award – An Indian military decoration awarded for valour, courageous action or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield. It is the peacetime equivalent of the Param Vir Chakra.
- Kirti Chakra – Second in order of precedence of peacetime gallantry awards.
- Shaurya Chakra – Third in order of precedence of peacetime gallantry awards.
Wartime/Peacetime service and gallantry awards
Wartime Distinguished Service
Peacetime Distinguished Service
Leadership awards
Literature awards
Jnanpith Award the highest literary honour
- Sahitya Akademi Award
- Sahitya Akademi Fellowship
- Bhasha Samman
- Translation Awards
- Anand Coomarswamy Fellowships
- Premchand Fellowship
Particular awards
National sports awards
Police awards
- President's Police Medal for Gallantry
- President's Fire Services Medal for Gallantry
- President's Correctional Service Medal for Gallantry
- President's Home Guards and Civil Defence Medal for Gallantry
- Police Medal for Gallantry
- Fire Services Medal for Gallantry
- Correctional Service Medal for Gallantry
- Home Guards and Civil Defence Medal for Gallantry
- President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service
- President's Fire Services Medal for Distinguished Service
- President's Correctional Service Medal for Distinguished Service
- President's Home Guards and Civil Defence for Distinguished Service
- Police Medal for Meritorious Service
- Fire Services Medal for Meritorious Service
- Correction Service Medal for Meritorious Service
- Home Guards and Civil Defence Medal for Meritorious Service
Bravery awards
- National Bravery Award
- Bharat Award
- Sanjay Chopra Award
- Geeta Chopra Award
- Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of Awards
See also
- Indian military decorations
- National Child Award for Exceptional Achievement
- British Raj honours system
References
External links
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