Context

• The Home Ministry announced the Padma Awards on the eve of the 75th Republic Day.
• A total of 132 Padma awards include five Padma Vibhushan, 17 Padma Bhushan and 110 Padma Shri.

Key Points

• Former Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, Vyjayantimala, Chiranjeevi have been awarded Padma Vibhushan.
• Bindeshwar Pathak, founder of Sulabh International, has been posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan.
• Famous classical dancer Padma Subramaniam has also been honoured with Padma Vibhushan.
• Padma Bhushan awardees Mithun Chakraborty and former Union minister Ram Naik and singer Usha Uthup.

Country's highest civilian award

• The country's highest civilian awards, the Padma Awards, are given in three categories - Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.
• Awards are given in various subjects and fields of activities, such as arts, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports and civil services.
• Whereas 'Padma Vibhushan' is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service; 'Padma Bhushan' is awarded for distinguished service of high order and ‛Padma Shri' for distinguished service in any field.

Padma Award

• The Padma Awards are announced every year on Republic Day (26 January).
• Established in 1954, this award was briefly suspended in 1978, 1979 and from 1993 to 1997.
• It is one of the highest civilian honours of India.

Objective

• It recognizes achievements in all activities or subject areas which involve an element of public service.