Honouring excellence: The genesis of Padma Awards

On January 2, 1954, a momentous milestone was etched into the history of Independent India. The Government of India instituted the Padma Awards, a series of civilian honours aimed at recognising outstanding contributions to various fields. Among these, the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award after the Bharat Ratna, stands as a beacon of exceptional service to the nation.

Advertisement

The inception of the Padma Vibhushan came during a time when India, newly Independent, sought to foster a culture of national pride and reward individuals, who contributed significantly to the country's growth. It was an acknowledgment that excellence in diverse domains — arts, literature, science, public affairs and more — deserved recognition at the highest level.

Unlike gallantry awards tied to acts of bravery, the Padma Vibhushan was envisioned to honour those whose work transcended boundaries and left an indelible impact on society. The name ‘Padma’ symbolised the purity and significance of the lotus, a flower that rises untainted from the murkiest waters, embodying the spirit of achievement against odds.

The inaugural Padma Vibhushan list in 1954 featured luminaries like scientist Satyendra Nath Bose, renowned for his contributions to quantum mechanics, and Dr Dhondo Keshav Karve, a social reformer and educationist. These early recipients set the tone for the award's prestige, illustrating the diversity of fields it sought to honour.

In its initial years, the Padma Vibhushan had three distinct classifications — Pehal Varg, Dusra Varg and Tisra Varg (first, second and third class). This categorisation was later revised in 1955 to simplify the structure into the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.

The Padma Vibhushan is awarded for “exceptional and distinguished service”, with no bar on age, nationality or gender. It covers a wide array of fields, from art and literature to medicine, science, public affairs and more. Recipients are chosen by a rigorous selection process, ensuring that the honour truly represents excellence.

The medal itself is a visual testament to the award's importance. Circular in shape and bronze-toned, it bears the inscription ‘Padma’ in Devanagari script, flanked by a lotus on either side. The obverse carries the state emblem of India with the motto ‘Satyameva Jayate’, signifying truth and integrity.

Over the decades, the Padma Vibhushan has celebrated a galaxy of illustrious individuals. Recipients include luminaries like MS Subbulakshmi, the legendary Carnatic vocalist; Amartya Sen, the Nobel Prize-winning economist; and Ratan Tata, the visionary industrialist. Each name added to the list amplifies the values of excellence, service and dedication that the award embodies.

Today, the Padma Vibhushan stands as a cherished honour, inspiring generations to contribute selflessly to the nation. It serves not only as recognition of individual achievements but also as a symbol of India’s rich heritage and boundless potential.