Honours and Awards | General Test Preparation for CUET UG - CUET Commerce PDF Download

Introduction 

Civilian Awards in India

Civilian awards in India are given to recognize the distinguished service or achievements of individuals in different spheres. These awards are usually conferred on Republic Day by the President of India. 

They include:

• Bharat Ratna: The highest civilian award in India, given for exceptional service in any field including arts, literature, science, and public service. It is awarded without regard to the individual's position or status in society.

• Padma Vibhushan: The second-highest civilian award, awarded for exceptional and distinguished service in any field. It recognizes the highest level of public service or excellence in the nation.

• Padma Bhushan: The third-highest civilian award, given for distinguished service of a high order to the nation in various fields.

• Padma Shri: The fourth-highest civilian award, recognizing distinguished service to the nation, typically for accomplishments in more specific or localized areas.

Gallantry Awards in India

Gallantry awards are presented to individuals, especially military personnel, for acts of bravery and self-sacrifice in situations of war or conflict. 

These include:

• Param Vir Chakra: The highest gallantry award, given for acts of extraordinary bravery in the face of enemy forces. It is India’s equivalent of the Victoria Cross.

• Maha Vir Chakra: The second-highest gallantry award, bestowed for acts of conspicuous gallantry during wartime.

• Vir Chakra: The third-highest gallantry award for acts of bravery on the battlefield.

• Ashoka Chakra: This peacetime award is given for exceptional bravery or courage displayed by civilians or military personnel during peacetime.

Sports Awards in India

Sports awards in India are given to players and coaches for their exceptional achievements in various sports disciplines. 

They include:

• Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna: India’s highest sporting honor, awarded to athletes for their exceptional performance in sports and games.

• Arjuna Award: Given to athletes for outstanding achievements in sports and games, recognizing their consistent excellence.

• Dronacharya Award: This award is presented to coaches for their outstanding contributions in the field of coaching and guiding athletes.

• Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar: Awarded to organizations or individuals who have made significant contributions to sports promotion in India.

Film Awards in India

Film awards are given to honor excellence in Indian cinema. 

These awards include:

• Dadasaheb Phalke Award: The highest honor in Indian cinema, given for lifetime contributions to Indian cinema. It is named after the father of Indian cinema, Dadasaheb Phalke.

• National Film Awards: These are presented annually by the Directorate of Film Festivals to honor the best of Indian cinema in various categories like acting, directing, writing, and technical excellence.

Literature Awards in India

These awards recognize outstanding contributions to Indian literature, including writing in all languages recognized by the Indian government. 

They include:

• Bharatiya Jnanpith Award: India’s highest literary award, given to authors who have made significant contributions to Indian literature in any language.

• Sahitya Akademi Award: Given by the Sahitya Akademi (National Academy of Letters) to authors for their exceptional literary works in any of the 24 languages recognized by the academy.

Other Important National Awards

These awards are given for contributions in specific fields that don't fall under the typical categories of civilian, gallantry, sports, or literature. 

They include:

• Gandhi Peace Prize: Given to individuals or institutions for their contributions to society through Gandhian methods of nonviolence and peace.

• Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development: Recognizes individuals or organizations working towards international peace and development.

• Borlaug Award: Given to Indian scientists for their outstanding research in agriculture and environmental science.

International Awards​

International awards recognize individuals and organizations globally for their remarkable contributions in various fields.

Some of the notable international awards include:

• Nobel Prize: Recognizes outstanding contributions to humanity in the fields of Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, and Peace.

• Magsaysay Awards: Often referred to as Asia's Nobel Prize, this is awarded for outstanding contributions in public service, leadership, and community development.

• Oscar Awards: Recognizes excellence in cinematic achievements across various categories, including acting, directing, and producing.

• Grammy Awards: Presented for outstanding achievements in the music industry, honoring the best performances, albums, and songs.

Awards play a crucial role in recognizing and appreciating the efforts, sacrifices, and contributions made by individuals and organizations across various fields. They serve not only as a mark of distinction but also as an inspiration for others to strive for excellence. Whether national or international, awards provide acknowledgment and motivate people to contribute further to society and their respective fields.

Scientific & Technological Awards

These awards recognize exceptional contributions in science, technology and innovation.

They include:

• Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize: India's highest science award for outstanding research in various scientific disciplines.

• Kalinga Award: UNESCO's international prize for excellence in science communication and popularization.

• Turing Award: Considered the "Nobel Prize of Computing" for contributions to computer science.

Journalism & Media Awards

These awards honor excellence in journalism and media communications.

They include:

• Pulitzer Prize: International recognition for achievements in newspaper, magazine and online journalism.

• Ramnath Goenka Awards: India's prestigious journalism awards for excellence in print and broadcast media.

• UNESCO Guillermo Cano Press Freedom Prize: Honors contributions to press freedom worldwide.

Environmental & Social Activism Awards

These awards recognize outstanding work in environmental protection and social change.

They include:

• Right Livelihood Award: Honors courageous work solving global problems (known as 'Alternative Nobel Prize').

• Champions of the Earth: UN's highest environmental honor for transformative environmental action.

• Sardar Patel National Unity Award: Recognizes exceptional contributions to national integration in India.

Youth & Education Awards

These awards celebrate achievements in education and youth development.

They include:

• National Child Awards: Recognizes exceptional achievements by Indian children in various fields.

• UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize: Honors outstanding contributions to literacy development worldwide.

• Commonwealth Youth Awards: Celebrates young people driving change in Commonwealth nations.