Rakesh Garhwal

The Bharat Ratna (Jewel of India) is the highest civilian award of India. Instituted in 1954, the award is conferred “in recognition of exceptional service/performance of the highest order”, without distinction of race, occupation, position, or sex. The recommendations for the Bharat Ratna are  made by the Prime Minister himself to the President, with a maximum of three nominees being awarded per year . No formal recommendations for this are necessary. Recipients receive a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a peepal-leaf–shaped medallion; there is  no monetary grant  associated with the award. Bharat Ratna recipients rank 7th in the Indian order of precedence.

The Padma Awards are  announced annually on the eve of Republic Day  (26th January). Instituted in the year 1954, it is one of the highest civilian honours of India. The Award seeks to recognize achievements in all fields of activities or disciplines where an  element of public service is involved . The Awards are given in three categories: Padma Vibhushan (for exceptional and distinguished service), Padma Bhushan (distinguished service of higher-order) and Padma Shri (distinguished service). The Awards are given in various disciplines/ fields of activities, viz.- art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc. The Awards are conferred on the recommendations  made by the Padma Awards Committee, which is constituted by the Prime Minister every year . The awards are presented by the President of India usually in the month of March/April every year. The award  does not am...