EDUCBA

Home Miscellaneous Movement Padma Bhushan Award

Padma Bhushan Award

Surendra Kumar
Article bySurendra Kumar
Priya Pedamkar
Reviewed byRavi Rathore

Introduction

The Padma Bhushan Award is among the highest honors bestowed by the Indian government on civilians. It honors remarkable achievements and contributions in a range of subjects. Deeply rooted in India’s cultural ethos, the award has evolved to reflect the nation’s progress and diversity. This prestigious accolade holds immense significance for the recipients and the nation, symbolizing excellence and dedication in diverse domains ranging from arts and literature to science, sports, and public service.

This comprehensive guide delves into the history, selection process, criteria, notable recipients, criticisms, and contemporary relevance of the Padma Bhushan Award. By understanding its origins, evaluating its selection process, and exploring its impact on society, we aim to provide insights into this esteemed honor’s significance and enduring legacy in shaping India’s cultural, social, and intellectual landscape.

 

 

Padma-Bhushan-Award

Watch our Demo Courses and Videos

Valuation, Hadoop, Excel, Mobile Apps, Web Development & many more.

History and Evolution

The Government of India instituted the Padma Bhushan Award in 1954, initially naming it the Padma Vibhushan. 1955, the award underwent a significant transformation when it introduced three classes. Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri, thus establishing a hierarchy of civilian honors.

Origins of the Award: The Padma Bhushan Award was created as part of a broader initiative to actively recognize outstanding individuals who significantly contribute to the nation across various spheres of human endeavor. Its purpose was to honor excellence beyond governmental duties and military service, celebrating achievements in the arts, literature, science, medicine, social work, public affairs, sports, and other domains.

Evolution of Criteria and Categories: Over the decades, the criteria for the Padma Bhushan Award have evolved to reflect changing societal values and priorities. Initially, the focus was largely on recognizing contributions in traditional fields such as arts, literature, and public service. However, as India progressed and diversified, the criteria expanded to encompass a broader range of achievements, including advancements in science and technology, entrepreneurship, sports, and environmental conservation.

Expansion of Categories: As the criteria expanded, the authorities also expanded the categories for which they award the Padma Bhushan. A broad range of human efforts has grown from a small number of categories to encompass, guaranteeing acknowledgment and celebration for people who succeed in various professions. This expansion has contributed to the award’s inclusivity and relevance in contemporary times.

Integration with National Identity: Throughout its evolution, the Padma Bhushan Award has remained deeply intertwined with India’s national identity and cultural heritage. It serves not only as a means of honoring individual excellence but also as a reflection of the nation’s values, aspirations, and achievements. Recipients of the award become ambassadors of Indian culture and ideals, both nationally and internationally, further enhancing its significance and impact.

Significance of Padma Bhushan Award

The Padma Bhushan Award holds immense significance within India’s cultural, social, and intellectual fabric and the global arena. Its importance stems from several key aspects:

  • Recognition of Excellence: The Padma Bhushan Award recognizes exceptional achievements and contributions in diverse fields, including the arts, literature, science, sports, and public service. It celebrates individuals who have demonstrated outstanding talent, dedication, and innovation and inspires others to strive for excellence.
  • Promotion of National Pride: The Padma Bhushan confers a sense of pride and respect on its awardees, their family, and the larger community. It is one of the highest civilian decorations in India. It symbolizes the nation’s acknowledgment and appreciation of their remarkable accomplishments, enhancing their status and influence nationally and internationally.
  • Encouragement of Role Models: The Padma Bhushan Award recognizes people who have achieved greatness in their disciplines and inspires future generations of aspirants. Recipients serve as beacons of inspiration, motivating others to pursue their passions, overcome challenges, and make meaningful contributions to society.
  • Preservation of Cultural Heritage: The Padma Bhushan recognizes contributions to arts, literature, and other cultural domains, thereby crucial in preserving and promoting India’s rich cultural heritage. It highlights the significance of traditional arts and indigenous knowledge systems while encouraging innovation and experimentation in contemporary cultural expressions.
  • Strengthening National Identity: By emphasizing honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to the nation, the Padma Bhushan Award reinforces the sense of national identity and unity. It transcends regional, linguistic, and cultural divides, fostering a sense of belonging and solidarity among the diverse populace of India.
  • International Recognition: The prestige associated with the Padma Bhushan extends beyond national borders, garnering international recognition for both the recipients and the nation. It enhances India’s global standing by showcasing the caliber of its achievers and their impact on various fields at the global level.
  • Catalyst for Social Change: Many Padma Bhushan awardees are renowned for their contributions to social causes, public service, and humanitarian efforts. The recognition they receive through the award amplifies their voices and initiatives, catalyzing positive social change and inspiring others to engage in philanthropy and community service.

Symbolism and Prestige

Cultural Symbolism: The Padma Bhushan Award symbolizes the highest ideals of achievement and merit rooted in India’s rich cultural heritage. It embodies the values of dedication, perseverance, and mastery, reflecting the cultural ethos that values excellence in all artistic, intellectual, or humanitarian endeavors.

National Recognition: The Government of India regards conferring the Padma Bhushan as one of the highest honors an individual can receive. It signifies personal accomplishment and recognition of one’s contributions to the nation’s progress and welfare. Recipients become exemplars of national pride, representing the best Indian talent and ingenuity.

Prestige and Honor: The Padma Bhushan gives recipients a sense of prestige and honor that transcends personal accolades. It is often seen as a validation of a lifetime of dedication and service, elevating individuals to a revered status within their respective fields and communities. The “Padma Bhushan Awardee” title carries a certain gravitas and respect that endures throughout one’s lifetime.

Inspiration and Aspiration: The honor encourages upcoming generations to pursue greatness and contribute significantly to society. It sets a high standard of achievement to which individuals aspire, fostering a culture of innovation, creativity, and public service.

International Recognition: The Padma Bhushan Award commands international respect and admiration beyond India’s borders. Recipients join the ranks of distinguished individuals recognized for their exceptional contributions to humanity, thereby enhancing India’s global standing and influence.

Continued Legacy: The Padma Bhushan Award’s legacy extends far beyond the moment of its conferral. It endures through its recipients’ achievements and contributions, shaping the nation’s cultural, intellectual, and social fabric for future generations. As such, it represents an enduring legacy of excellence and service to humanity.

Selection Process

  • Nomination: The process begins with nominating candidates for the Padma Bhushan Award. Government ministries, state governments, individuals, and organizations can make nominations. The Padma Awards Committee receives recommendations and reviews, and shortlists candidates.
  • Screening and Evaluation: The Padma Awards Committee, comprising eminent personalities from diverse fields, screens the nominations and evaluates the candidates’ credentials based on established criteria. This evaluation may include an assessment of the nominees’ achievements, impact on society, reputation, and contributions to their respective fields.
  • Recommendations and Refinements: After the initial screening, the Padma Awards Committee forwards its recommendations to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) for further review. The PMO may seek additional information or clarification on specific nominees before finalizing the list of awardees.
  • Approval and Announcement: After reviewing and approving the recommendations, the PMO finalizes the list of Padma Bhushan awardees. The recipients’ names are typically announced on Republic Day (January 26) each year, although the announcement date may vary.
  • Presentation Ceremony: The President of India confers the Padma Bhushan Awards at a formal ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Palace) in New Delhi. Recipients receive the award logo: a medallion, a certificate, and the traditional ‘tamrapatra’ (copper plate citation).
  • Posthumous Awards: In exceptional cases, the Padma Bhushan may be awarded posthumously to individuals who have passed away before being honored. The awards confer tribute to the recipient’s lifetime achievements and contributions.
  • Ongoing Review and Updates: Authorities periodically review and update the Padma Bhushan selection process to ensure transparency, fairness, and alignment with contemporary societal values. The authorities may change the nomination and evaluation criteria based on feedback and evolving needs.

Criteria for the Padma Bhushan Award

The Padma Bhushan Award honors individuals with exceptional accomplishments and significant contributions in their respective fields. While the specific criteria may vary slightly across categories, the overarching principles guiding the selection process include:

  • Exceptional Accomplishments: Padma Bhushan recipients typically have achieved extraordinary success and distinction in their chosen fields. These may include groundbreaking discoveries, pioneering innovations, significant artistic or literary creations, exceptional performances, or outstanding leadership.
  • Impact on Society: The award recognizes individuals whose contributions have profoundly and lastingly impacted society. This impact may manifest in various forms, such as advancing knowledge, improving quality of life, promoting social justice, fostering cultural understanding, or inspiring positive change.
  • National Significance: Candidates for the Padma Bhushan are assessed based on the significance of their contributions to the nation. It may include promoting national unity, enhancing India’s reputation internationally, contributing to national development goals, preserving cultural heritage, or serving the public interest in significant ways.
  • Service to Humanity: The award recipient recognizes their steadfast dedication to advancing human welfare and helping humanity. It may involve philanthropic initiatives, humanitarian efforts, advocacy for marginalized communities, or dedicated service in healthcare, education, environmental conservation, or disaster relief.
  • Integrity and Ethical Values: Padma Bhushan recipients expect to demonstrate high ethical standards and integrity in their professional and personal conduct. Their contributions should reflect a commitment to honesty, fairness, transparency, and ethical leadership, inspiring trust and confidence in their work.
  • Recognition by Peers: Nominees for the Padma Bhushan often receive recognition and acclaim from their peers, colleagues, and experts in their respective fields. Endorsements from reputable individuals or organizations may strengthen their candidacy and validate the significance of their achievements.
  • Continued Relevance: While past accomplishments are important, the selection process considers the nominee’s ongoing relevance and impact. Candidates are evaluated based on their contributions’ continued relevance and potential to inspire future generations and shape the trajectory of their field.
  • Diversity and Inclusivity: The Padma Bhushan Award aims to reflect the diversity of Indian society and honor individuals from various backgrounds, regions, and fields of endeavor. The selection process seeks to ensure inclusivity and representation across gender, ethnicity, religion, language, and other dimensions of diversity.

Notable Recipients of the Padma Bhushan Award

Numerous individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to their respective fields have received the Padma Bhushan Award. Among the notable recipients are:

  • Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: Eminent astronomer and erstwhile Indian president Dr. Kalam received the Padma Bhushan in 1981 for his services to the country’s space exploration and missile development.
  • Lata Mangeshkar: Legendary playback singer and cultural icon Lata Mangeshkar received the Padma Bhushan in 1969 for her unparalleled contributions to Indian music and culture.
  • Ratan Tata: Leading industrialist and former Chairman of Tata Sons, Ratan Tata was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2000 for his pioneering leadership in the Indian business community and philanthropic initiatives.
  • Amartya Sen: Nobel laureate economist Amartya Sen was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 1999 for his groundbreaking work in welfare economics and social choice theory.
  • Sachin Tendulkar: Sachin Tendulkar, a cricket legend and former captain of the Indian team, was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1999 in recognition of his exceptional accomplishments and contributions to the game.
  • Shabana Azmi: Versatile actress and social activist Shabana Azmi was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2012 for her distinguished career in Indian cinema and advocacy for social causes.
  • Dr. Verghese Kurien: Father of the White Revolution in India. In 1966, the government honored Dr. Kurien with the Padma Bhushan for his transformative contributions to the dairy industry and rural development.
  • Pandit Ravi Shankar: The sitar virtuoso and composer Pandit Ravi Shankar received the Padma Bhushan in 1967 for his seminal role in popularizing Indian classical music worldwide.
  • Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: Architect of the Indian Constitution and champion of social justice, In 1990, the government posthumously awarded Dr. Ambedkar the Padma Bhushan for his enduring legacy in advancing the rights of marginalized communities.
  • JRD Tata: In 1957, the Indian government honored JRD Tata, a visionary industrialist and pioneer of Indian aviation, with Padma Bhushan for his pioneering contributions to the Indian business sector and aviation industry.

Criticisms and Controversies

Despite its prestige and significance, the Padma Bhushan Award has not been immune to criticisms and controversies. Some of the critical points of contention include:

  • Allegations of Political Bias: Critics have accused the selection process of being influenced by political considerations, with certain individuals receiving the award based on their political affiliations rather than merit. This perception of political bias has raised questions about the integrity and transparency of the selection process.
  • Lack of Transparency: Critics have often criticized the Padma Bhushan Award selection process for its lack of transparency. The selection committee sometimes makes public the criteria used to evaluate candidates and its deliberations, which leads to speculation and mistrust regarding the awards’ fairness.
  • Limited Representation: Critics have criticized the Padma Bhushan awardees for not representing certain regions, communities, and fields of endeavor despite efforts to promote diversity and inclusivity. They argue that the awards should reflect India’s cultural and demographic diversity accurately.
  • Influence of Lobbying and Recommendations: Critics have criticized the Padma Bhushan Award’s nomination and recommendation process for its susceptibility to lobbying and favoritism. There have been allegations that influential individuals or groups use their connections to secure awards for themselves or others, undermining the merit-based nature of the awards.
  • Disputes Over Recipients: The selection of certain individuals for the Padma Bhushan Award has sparked controversy and debate. Some critics have criticized recipients for their controversial actions or statements, prompting calls to revoke or reassess their awards in some cases.
  • Perception of Dilution of Prestige: Some critics believe that the increasing number of awards conferred each year has diluted the prestige associated with the Padma Bhushan Award. It has led to calls for selection reform to maintain the awards’ exclusivity and significance.
  • Lack of Impact Assessment: Critics have raised concerns about the Padma Bhushan Award’s need to evaluate its impact on recipients’ contributions to society systematically. Proper assessment mechanisms make it easier to gauge the awards’ effectiveness in recognizing and rewarding excellence.

Conclusion

The Padma Bhushan Award is a beacon of excellence, honoring individuals who have contributed exceptionally to India’s cultural, social, and intellectual landscape. With its rich history, rigorous selection process, and profound symbolism, the award inspires and uplifts generations, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and service. Its impact resonates far beyond the individuals honored, shaping the collective identity and aspirations of the nation.