padma award 2026Image Credit source: PTI
Padma Awards: Every year when the list of the country’s highest civilian awards appears in golden letters on white pages, the entire country becomes proud. People who have dedicated their lives to fields like art, literature, science and social service are awarded Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. But behind these awards is not just a medal or a citation, but the thousands of years old spiritual consciousness of India is hidden. These awards were officially announced on 8 January 1955. Since then, the Padma Awards have not only become a symbol of achievement but also reflect the Indian philosophy of life. Let us know what deep spiritual feeling is hidden behind this name?
Padma means a resolution blossoming in the mud
Padma is a Sanskrit word, which simply means lotus flower. In Indian culture, lotus is not just a flower but a philosophy of life. Lotus flower has the status of national flower in India. Therefore, the biggest reason behind naming these awards Padma is its symbol, which is in the shape of a lotus. Lotus flower has the status of national flower in India, but its deeper meaning is much higher than this.
In Indian spirituality, lotus is considered a symbol of purity, knowledge and renunciation. Its biggest specialty is that it is born in mud, but never gets contaminated by it. Just as a lotus remains separated from water droplets despite being surrounded by them, in the same way the Padma Award winners also continue to do their work selflessly amidst the glare of society and worldly difficulties.
This message is written in Geeta “Karmanyevadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadachan” There is meaning in the life of a lotus. Padma Award is given to those people who have served the country and humanity without any personal interest or desire for fame. The seat of Mother Saraswati and Lakshmi is also Padma. This is an indication that true respect lies only where humility and purity reside along with knowledge and prosperity.
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From the pages of history: The journey from 1954 till now
These awards were instituted on 2 January 1954. Initially these were called first class, second class and third class, but through an official announcement on 8 January 1955, they were named as Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.
category importance
- Padma Vibhushan: For exceptional and distinguished service (second highest civilian honour)
- Padma Bhushan: For distinguished service of a high order
- Padma Shri: For distinguished service in any field
an emotional tribute
When an unsung hero receives the Padma Award in the Durbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan, it is not the honor of just one person. It is the honor of that penance, just as a lotus does not get mixed with water even after being in water, in the same way, people who receive Padma awards, despite living in the society, serve the country by rising above selfishness, greed and ostentation. This award gives the message that true greatness lies not in noise, but in selfless action.
Also read: From Dharmendra to R Madhavan, these stalwarts of cinema received Padma Award, see the complete list.