How well do you know the National Awards of India?
Awards are honours and expressions of gratitude showered upon people who have made significant contributions in varied fields, making the country proud. People in India have long recognised noteworthy achievements in a wide range of fields, hence there’s an exhaustive list of awards every year. The National Awards of India are one of the prominent awards divided into five major categories: Civilian Awards, Gallantry Awards, Sports Awards, Cinema Awards and Literature Awards. Do you think you can crack this National Awards of India quiz? Attempt these questions to find out.
Which is the highest civilian award of India?
(a) Bharat Ratna
(b) Padma Shri
(c) Jnanpith Award
(d) Ashok Chakra
Q2. What distinguishes the three Padma Awards from one another?
Q3. Which are the six categories of Gallantry Awards given in India?
ANSWERS
Q1. (a)
The Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award of India which was first awarded in 1954. The Bharat Ratna is awarded to individuals for outstanding contribution in any field, regardless of race, occupation, status, or gender. The Prime Minister of India makes recommendations to the President of India for Bharat Ratna.
The recipient of the award receives a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President as well as a medal. There is no monetary component to the award. The physical award is shaped like a peepal leaf, with the words 'Bharat Ratna' written in Devanagri script beneath a sunburst figure. The prize figurine's back side has 'Satyameva Jayate' written in Hindi beneath an inscription of the state emblem. Platinum is used for the emblem, the sun, and the rim of the Bharat Ratna award, while burnished bronze is used for the inscriptions.
Q2.
The Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri are three independent awards given by the Indian government to reward achievements in all sectors or disciplines where there is a component of public service. The Padma Awards were established in 1954 and are presented every year on Republic Day, with the exception of brief interruptions in 1978 and 1979 and 1993 to 1997.
The Padma Vibhushan is India's second highest civilian honour bestowed for extraordinary and distinguished service in any field by government servants. On the other hand, Padma Bhushan is the third highest civilian honour in India. The award criteria include service in any discipline, including service performed by government servants, such as doctors and scientists, but exclude individuals who work with public sector undertakings. Meanwhile, Padma Shri is the fourth highest civilian award of India.
Q3.
There are six categories of Gallantry Awards in India listed below:
- Param Vir Chakra
- Maha Vir Chakra
- Vir Chakra
- Ashok Chakra
- Kirti Chakra
- Shaurya Chakra
Six gallantry awards are given in India to the country's bravest citizens. On January 26, 1950, the Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, and Vir Chakra were established as three gallantry awards. They were said to be in effect from August 15, 1947, when India got independence. The Government of India established three other gallantry awards on January 4, 1952: the Ashoka Chakra Class-I, the Ashoka Chakra Class-II, and the Ashoka Chakra Class-III. These were also declared to be in effect since August 15, 1947. These awards were renamed the Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra, respectively, in January 1967.