History of Padma Awards

History of Padma Awards

Padma Awards were first instituted in 1954. The government only instituted two awards–Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan. The Bharat Ratna was to be the highest civilian award of the country. The Padma Vibhushan was to have three categories–Pahela Varg, Dusra Varg and Tisra Varg. In 1955, there three categories were rechristened Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri respectively.


Padma Vibhushan is the second highest civilian award

Padma Bhushan is the third highest civilian award

Padma Shri is the fourth highest civilian award

45 people have received the Bharat Ratna so far. The latest recipient of the award was late social reformer Madan Mohan Malviya. He was awarded with Bharat Ratna posthumously in 2014. Before him, iconic cricketer Sachin Tendulkar had received the awards.

Padma Awards are awarded every year to people who do well in the field of politics, arts, sports and social work. The list of Padma awardees cannot exceed more than 120 names. Except for the years 1978 and 1979 and 1993 to 1997, the awards have been announced every year since their inception.