Padma Vibhushan Awarded to VS, Dharmendra, and Three Others
VS Achuthanandan, Dharmendra, and three others receive Padma Vibhushan.
Photo by Sonika Agarwal
Key Facts
Padma Vibhushan: Second-highest civilian honor
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: Polity and Governance - Constitutional bodies, statutory bodies
GS Paper IV: Ethics - Public service, integrity, values
Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical questions on the significance and impact of civilian awards
Visual Insights
Padma Awards 2026: Key Statistics
Key statistics related to the Padma Awards 2026, including the number of awards given in each category and the fields of recognition.
- Padma Vibhushan Awards
- 5
- Padma Bhushan Awards
- 13
- Total Padma Awards (Approximate)
- 120
India's second-highest civilian honor, awarded for exceptional and distinguished service.
Awarded for distinguished service of a high order.
The number of awards given in a year is limited to around 120.
More Information
Background
The Padma Awards, instituted in 1954, were initially suspended between 1977-1980 and again between 1992-1997 due to debates regarding their legitimacy and potential for misuse. These awards are conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions held at Rashtrapati Bhavan usually around March/April every year. The awards are given in three categories: Padma Vibhushan (for exceptional and distinguished service), Padma Bhushan (distinguished service of a high order) and Padma Shri (distinguished service).
The awards seek to recognize achievements in all fields of activities or disciplines where an element of public service is involved. The recommendations for these awards are made by the Padma Awards Committee, which is constituted by the Prime Minister every year.
Latest Developments
In recent years, there has been a greater emphasis on recognizing unsung heroes and grassroots contributors across various fields. The government has been focusing on identifying individuals who have made significant contributions to society but have remained relatively unknown. There's also been a push for greater transparency in the selection process, although the criteria remain somewhat subjective.
The number of awards given out each year has also seen fluctuations, reflecting the varying degrees of exceptional contributions identified by the committee. The trend is towards recognizing diverse talents and contributions from different regions and sections of society.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the Padma Vibhushan awards, and why are they significant?
The Padma Vibhushan is India's second-highest civilian honor. It is significant because it recognizes exceptional and distinguished service in any field, including service rendered by the government.
2. For UPSC Prelims, what is important to remember about the recent Padma Vibhushan awards?
For the UPSC Prelims, remember that the Padma Vibhushan is India's second-highest civilian award. Note the names of the recipients: VS Achuthanandan (posthumously), Dharmendra Singh Deol, KT Thomas, N Rajam, and P Narayanan.
Exam Tip
Create a mnemonic to remember the names of the awardees.
3. How do the Padma Vibhushan awards differ from the Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awards?
The Padma Vibhushan is the second-highest civilian award, awarded for exceptional and distinguished service. The Padma Bhushan is the third-highest, for distinguished service of a high order, and the Padma Shri is the fourth-highest, for distinguished service.
4. What is the historical background of the Padma Awards?
The Padma Awards were instituted in 1954. They were suspended between 1977-1980 and again between 1992-1997 due to debates regarding their legitimacy and potential for misuse.
5. Why is the Padma Vibhushan award to VS Achuthanandan significant?
The Padma Vibhushan award to VS Achuthanandan is significant because it recognizes his contributions as a former Chief Minister of Kerala and a prominent political figure. The award is posthumous, acknowledging his lifelong service.
6. How might the Padma Awards be relevant in the UPSC Mains exam?
In the UPSC Mains exam, you can use the Padma Awards as an example when discussing topics like public service, recognition of talent, and the role of awards in motivating citizens. You can also analyze the selection criteria and discuss whether they are transparent and equitable.
7. What are some potential interview questions related to the Padma Awards?
Potential interview questions could include your opinion on the transparency of the selection process, whether the awards are truly representative of contributions from all sections of society, and whether there are alternative ways to recognize exceptional service.
8. What are the recent developments regarding the selection process for Padma Awards?
Recent developments include a greater emphasis on recognizing unsung heroes and grassroots contributors. The government has been focusing on identifying individuals who have made significant contributions to society but have remained relatively unknown. There's also been a push for greater transparency in the selection process.
9. What is the significance of posthumous awards like the Padma Vibhushan given to VS Achuthanandan?
Posthumous awards recognize the contributions of individuals who have passed away, ensuring their legacy and service are remembered and honored. It acknowledges their lifelong dedication even after they are no longer with us.
10. Who is Shibu Soren, and why is his Padma Bhushan award important?
Shibu Soren is among the 13 recipients of the Padma Bhushan. While the provided text doesn't detail his specific contributions, receiving the Padma Bhushan signifies his distinguished service in a field of high order.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Padma Awards: 1. The Padma Vibhushan is awarded for 'distinguished service of a high order'. 2. The Padma Awards were suspended for a period in the late 1970s and 1990s. 3. Recommendations for Padma Awards are made by a committee constituted by the Chief Justice of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement 1 is INCORRECT: The Padma Vibhushan is awarded for 'exceptional and distinguished service', not just 'distinguished service of a high order'. Padma Bhushan is awarded for 'distinguished service of a high order'. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The Padma Awards were suspended from 1977-1980 and 1992-1997. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The recommendations are made by a committee constituted by the Prime Minister, not the Chief Justice of India.
2. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the Padma Awards?
- A.The awards are conferred by the President of India.
- B.The awards are announced on Republic Day.
- C.The awards can be conferred posthumously.
- D.Foreign nationals are not eligible for these awards.
Show Answer
Answer: D
Option D is INCORRECT: Foreign nationals are indeed eligible for the Padma Awards. The awards are conferred by the President of India, announced on Republic Day, and can be conferred posthumously.
3. Match List I (Award) with List II (Description) and select the correct answer using the code given below: List I (Award) a. Padma Vibhushan b. Padma Bhushan c. Padma Shri List II (Description) 1. Distinguished service in any field 2. Exceptional and distinguished service 3. Distinguished service of a high order
- A.a-2, b-3, c-1
- B.a-3, b-2, c-1
- C.a-1, b-2, c-3
- D.a-2, b-1, c-3
Show Answer
Answer: A
The correct matching is: Padma Vibhushan: Exceptional and distinguished service (a-2) Padma Bhushan: Distinguished service of a high order (b-3) Padma Shri: Distinguished service in any field (c-1)