Awards are given to honour people who have made extraordinary contributions in various fields like art, science, literature, public service, and entertainment.

In India, awards such as the Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards recognise excellence in national service, while international awards like the Nobel Prize honour global achievements.

1. Bharat Ratna – India’s Highest Civilian Award

 Overview

• The Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award of India.
• It is given for exceptional service in any field of human endeavor — not limited to art, literature, or science.
• The award was instituted in 1954.

 Design

• The medal is shaped like a peepal leaf and made of bronze.
• It has a sunburst design with the words “Bharat Ratna” in Devanagari script.
• On the reverse side is the State Emblem of India and the national motto “Satyameva Jayate.”

 Key Facts

• First Recipients (1954): Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, C. Rajagopalachari, and C.V. Raman.
• Posthumous Award: Can be given after death.
• Maximum per year: Up to 3 recipients.
• Recent Recipients: (e.g., 2019) Pranab Mukherjee, Nanaji Deshmukh, Bhupen Hazarika.

 2. Padma Awards – Second Highest Civilian Honors

 Overview

• The Padma Awards were also instituted in 1954.
• They are given in three categories for distinguished service in various fields.

 Key Facts

• Announced every year on Republic Day (26 January).
• Presented by the President of India at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
• Can be awarded to foreign nationals too.
• Famous recipients include:
  • Padma Vibhushan: A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Lata Mangeshkar
  • Padma Bhushan: Mary Kom, Anupam Kher
  • Padma Shri: Hima Das, Kangana Ranaut

 3. Nobel Prize – World’s Most Prestigious International Award

 Overview

• The Nobel Prize is awarded every year for outstanding achievements in six categories:
  • Peace, Literature, Chemistry, Physics, Medicine, and Economic Sciences.
• It was founded by Alfred Nobel (inventor of dynamite) in 1895.
• First awarded in 1901.

 Indian Nobel Laureates

 Key Facts

• The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in Oslo, Norway.
• Other Nobel Prizes are awarded in Stockholm, Sweden.
• The medal and certificate are given by the respective Nobel Committees.

 4. Filmfare Awards – India’s Most Popular Film Awards

 Overview

• The Filmfare Awards are given annually to honor excellence in Indian cinema (Bollywood).
• Started in 1954 by The Times Group (Filmfare magazine).
• Considered the oldest and most popular film awards in India.

 Categories

• Best Film
• Best Actor / Actress
• Best Director
• Best Music Director
• Lifetime Achievement Award

 Key Facts

• The trophy is called the “Black Lady” (made of bronze).
• Filmfare Awards are often compared to the Oscars of India.
• First winners (1954):
  • Best Film – Do Bigha Zamin
  • Best Actor – Dilip Kumar (Daag)
  • Best Actress – Meena Kumari (Baiju Bawra)

 Key Facts to Remember (Quick Revision)