Awards and honours are given both at the individual and group levels as a token of appreciation or recognition for extraordinary work. The Government of India gives several honours every year to those who have achieved outstanding merit in their field such as Bharat Ratna, National Film Awards, etc. Here we will discuss the Awards and Honours in India in detail, which will be helpful for UPSC IAS Exam preparation.

Awards and Honours in India

The following are the major award categories in India:

1. Civilian Awards
2. Gallantry Awards

Civilian Awards

• Civilian Awards are given to those who have made significant contributions to their field of employment.
• On Republic Day, the President of India bestows these honours on the deserving honorees.
• The Civilian Awards were established in 1954.
• Civilian Awards are divided into categories based on the level of honour bestowed. The following civilian awards have been given out:

Bharat Ratna

• The Bharat Ratna is India's highest civilian honour.
• This award is given to individuals who have excelled in the fields of science, literature, the arts, and public service. Sports were added to this award category in 2013.

Padma Awards

• Padma Awards constitute Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri.
• These awards were established in 1954 and are granted to worthy persons for their outstanding contributions to sports, art, social work, civil service, literature and education, public affairs, science and technology, trade and industry, and other sectors.
• Every year on Republic Day, the honorees' names are released.

Gallantry Awards

Gallantry Awards are given to members of the armed services who have shown bravery and gallantry.

The following are the gallantry awards bestowed in India (in order of precedence):

1. Param Vir Chakra
2. Ashoka Chakra
3. Mahavir Chakra
4. Kirti Chakra
5. Vir Chakra
6. Shaurya Chakra

• Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, and Vir Chakra are the first three prizes in this category that were established following independence.
• On Republic Day and Independence Day, these honours are given out twice a year.
• The other three gallantry awards were instituted in 1952. They were given the names Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra afterwards.

Other Honours

National Film Awards

• These are among the most prestigious honours bestowed upon persons who have contributed to the advancement of cinematic art.
• These prizes have been given out annually since 1954.
• The Directorate of Film Festivals took over the responsibility of organizing these awards in 1973.

Sahitya Akademi Award

• This is an award given to persons who excel in the field of literature.
• This prize was established in 1954 and is granted by the 'Sahitya Akademi,' which is our country's National Academy of Letters.
• The other literary honours in India include the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship, Bhasha Samman, Jnanpith Award, Saraswati Samman, Vyas Samman, etc.

Dada Saheb Phalke Award

• The Dada Saheb Phalke Award was established in 1969 to honour Dada Saheb Phalke (1870–1944), the great film director who created India's first full-length feature film, Raja Harishchandra (1913).
• The Directorate of Film Festivals, which is part of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, bestows the prize.

National Sports Awards

• The six sports awards of the Republic of India are collectively known as the National Sports Awards.
• The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports gives it out once a year.
• They are bestowed by India's President in the same ceremony at the Presidential Palace, which traditionally takes place on August 29 (National Sports Day).
• The six categories of the National Sports Awards are the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (formerly known as the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award), the Arjuna Award, the Dronacharya Award, the Major Dhyan Chand Award, the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad rolling Trophy, also called the MAKA Trophy, and the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar.
• Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award has been given alongside other sports awards since 2004.

Conclusion

National Awards and Honours are given to those who excel in their respective fields. These awards gave motivation to the winners to thrive more and give others inspiration to reach new heights.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Which of the following is the highest civilian award in India?

A) Padma Bhushan
B) Padma Vibhushan
C) Padma Shri
D) Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna

2. What does the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award recognize?

A) Exceptional contributions in science
B) Outstanding contributions to literature
C) Excellence in the field of sports
D) Civilian acts of bravery

3. Which of the following is awarded for acts of bravery in the military?

A) Padma Vibhushan
B) Vir Chakra
C) Jnanpith Award
D) Sahitya Akademi Award

4. What is the focus of the Padma Shri award in India?

A) Literary excellence
B) Public service
C) Distinguished service in various fields
D) Gallantry

5. Which Gallantry award is given for acts of conspicuous bravery?

A) Padma Bhushan
B) Vir Chakra
C) Param Vir Chakra
D) Padma Vibhushan

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Analyze the significance of the Padma awards in recognizing public service and excellence in India. How do these awards contribute to the socio-cultural development of the country?

Answer: The Padma awards—Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri—play a significant role in recognizing excellence in various fields, including public service, arts, science, literature, and social work. These awards highlight the achievements of individuals who have contributed to the nation’s progress and development. They also serve to inspire others to contribute positively to society. The Padma awards help bring attention to crucial social and cultural issues, enhance public awareness, and encourage individuals to contribute to the socio-cultural fabric of the nation. By recognizing outstanding individuals, these awards contribute to fostering a sense of national pride and unity.

Q2: Discuss the role of sports awards like the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna in promoting sports culture in India. How do these awards impact the development of sports in the country?

Answer: Sports awards such as the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna are instrumental in promoting sports culture in India. These awards acknowledge exceptional athletes and their contributions to the sports industry, inspiring future generations to pursue careers in sports. The recognition encourages athletes to maintain high standards of performance and commitment, while also drawing attention to the need for better infrastructure and facilities in the country. The awards also encourage state and national governments to prioritize sports development, leading to better funding, training programs, and participation in international events.

Q3: Evaluate the impact of gallantry awards on military morale and the larger community. How do these awards help in reinforcing the values of bravery and selflessness?

Answer: Gallantry awards such as the Param Vir Chakra and Mahavir Chakra play a crucial role in boosting military morale by recognizing acts of bravery and selflessness in the face of danger. These awards serve as a source of inspiration for soldiers, reinforcing the importance of courage, dedication, and sacrifice. The recognition of such acts helps in fostering a sense of pride within the armed forces and the wider community, while also ensuring that the values of patriotism, loyalty, and service to the nation are upheld. Furthermore, these awards help in promoting national unity and honor the sacrifices made by individuals for the greater good of the country.

Previous Year Questions on Awards and Honours

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2021:

Question: Which of the following is awarded for exceptional performance in sports in India?

A) Padma Vibhushan
B) Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna
C) Param Vir Chakra
D) Sahitya Akademi Award

Answer: (B)

Explanation: The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna is India’s highest sporting honor, awarded to athletes for exceptional performances in sports.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2020 (GS Paper 2):

Question: "Explain the significance of Gallantry Awards in India. How do these awards help in promoting the spirit of selflessness and sacrifice?"

Answer: Gallantry Awards in India, such as the Param Vir Chakra and Mahavir Chakra, are vital in recognizing and honoring acts of bravery by the armed forces. These awards help in fostering a sense of pride and motivate soldiers to maintain the highest standards of courage and selflessness. They reinforce the values of patriotism, service to the nation, and the willingness to sacrifice for the greater good. By acknowledging such acts, the awards not only honor individual bravery but also inspire others to contribute selflessly to society and the nation.