Padma awards 2023

Report by Swasti Sharma

Padma Awards are the highest civilian awards of India. They are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. The Awards are given for the contribution of people in various disciplines/ fields of activities like art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc.

‘Padma Vibhushan’ is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service. It is the second highest civilian award of India after Bharat Ratna. ‘Padma Bhushan’ is given for illustrious service of high order and it is the third highest civilian award of India. ‘Padma Shri’ is awarded for esteemed service in any field and is the fourth highest civilian award of India. The awards are announced on the occasion of Republic Day that is 26th January every year.

Padma Awards are conferred by the President of India. These are awarded at ceremonial functions which are held at Rashtrapati Bhawan (president’s residence) usually around March/ April every year. For the year 2023, the investiture ceremony occurred on 5th April 2023.The current President of India, Smt. Draupadi Murmu has conferred106 Padma Awards in total: 3 duo cases (in a duo case, the Award is counted as one). The list comprises 6 Padma Vibhushan, 9 Padma Bhushan and 91 Padma Shri Awards. 19 of the awardees are women. According to the list 2 persons are from the category of Indians living in foreign countries, and 7 Posthumous awardees (Posthumous awardees are the ones getting award after their death).

The list is as follows:

Padma Vibhushan (6)

Padma Bhushan(9)

Padma Shri (91)

Table credits: PIB; Image Credit: padmaawards.gov.in