23 Dec, 2023
Padma Shri is one of the highest civilian awards in the Republic of India, conferred by the President of India. It is awarded in recognition of distinguished service in various fields such as art, literature, social work, science, medicine, sports, public affairs, and more.
The Padma Shri was established on January 2, 1954, by the Government of India. It is part of the larger Padma Awards, which also include Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan, with Padma Shri being the fourth highest civilian award.
The award is given on the basis of an individual's exceptional and distinguished service in their respective fields. The contribution should be significant and should have a measurable impact on society.
Padma Shri is awarded in various categories, encompassing a wide range of fields including art, literature, education, sports, medicine, social work, science and engineering, public affairs, and more. The diverse categories reflect the broad spectrum of contributions honored by the award.
Individuals can be nominated for the Padma Shri by the general public, state and central governments, and other recognized institutions. The nominations undergo a rigorous review process, and a committee of experts recommends the final list of awardees to the President of India.
The award consists of a circular gold medal with a lotus on the front, which is the national flower of India. The words "Padma" and "Shri" are inscribed in Devanagari script on the front side. The reverse side of the medal bears the emblem of India and the recipient's name.
The Padma Shri reflects India's commitment to honoring diversity and recognizing excellence across various fields. It is a symbol of the nation's appreciation for the outstanding contributions of individuals towards the betterment of society.