Padma Bhushan facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Padma Bhushan
Presented by	President of India
Country	India

The Padma Bhushan is a very important award given by the Government of India. It is the third highest civilian award in India. Only the Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan are higher. The Padma Bhushan is given out on Republic Day of India each year.

This award started on January 2, 1954. It is given for "excellent service of a high level." This means people who have done great things for the country. Anyone can receive it, no matter their background, job, or gender. As of 2020, 1270 people have received this award. This includes 24 people who received it after they passed away. Also, 97 people who were not Indian citizens have received it.

Sometimes, people have refused the award. For example, S. Janaki, a famous singer from South India, refused it in 2013. She felt the award came too late in her career. She also believed that artists from South India were not recognized enough.

Who Can Get the Padma Bhushan?

The Padma Bhushan is given for "excellent service of a high level." This includes service in any field. Even government workers can receive it. However, people working for government-owned companies usually cannot get it. Doctors and scientists are exceptions to this rule.

When the award first started in 1954, it could not be given to people after they died. But this rule changed in 1955. D. C. Kizhakemuri was the first person to receive the award after his death in 1999.

How Are People Chosen for the Award?

People are suggested for the award from many places. These include:

• All the state and union territory governments
• Different ministries of the Indian government
• People who have already received the Bharat Ratna or Padma Vibhushan
• Important organizations and institutes
• Ministers, Chief Ministers, and Governors of States
• Members of Parliament
• Even regular people can suggest names.

Suggestions are collected between May 1 and September 15 each year. These names go to the Padma Awards Committee. The Prime Minister of India leads this committee. The committee then suggests names to the Prime Minister and the President of India for their final approval.

When Is the Award Announced?

The names of Padma Bhushan award winners are announced every year on January 26. This is India's Republic Day. The names are officially published in The Gazette of India. This is a special publication released weekly by the government. An award is not official until it is published in the Gazette.

If an award is taken back or given back, it is also noted in the Gazette. If someone's award is taken back, they must return their medal.

What Does the Padma Bhushan Medal Look Like?

The Padma Bhushan medal has changed its look over the years.

Original Design (1954)

The first medal was a silver circle, about 35 mm across. It had raised edges on both sides. On the front, there was a lotus flower in the middle. The words "Padma Bhushan" were written in Devanagari script above the lotus. There were also floral designs around the edges. On the back, the State Emblem of India was in the center. The words "Desh Seva" (meaning "Service to the Nation") were written below it. The medal hung from a pink ribbon about 32 mm wide. This ribbon had two white lines dividing it into three equal parts.

Current Design (Since 1955)

The current medal is a circular, bronze-colored medallion. It is about 44 mm across and 3 mm thick. It has a special square pattern with knobs at the corners. In the center, there is a raised circle. Inside this circle, a lotus flower is embossed on the front. The word "Padma" is written above the lotus, and "Bhushan" is written below it in Devanagari script.

On the back, the Emblem of India is in the center. Below it, the national motto of India, "Satyameva Jayate" (which means "Truth alone triumphs"), is written in Devanagari script. The edges, raised parts, and text "Padma Bhushan" are all made of gold. The medal hangs from a pink ribbon about 32 mm wide. This ribbon has a wide white stripe in the middle.

The Padma Bhushan medal is ranked fifth in the order of how medals and decorations are worn. These medals are made at the Alipore Mint in Kolkata. Other important awards like the Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Shri, and Param Vir Chakra are also made there.

See also

In Spanish: Premio Padma Bhushan para niños