The Padma Awards are one of the highest civilian honours of India announced annually on the eve of Republic Day. The Awards are given in three categories: Padma Vibhushan (for exceptional and distinguished service), Padma Bhushan (distinguished service of higher order) and Padma Shri (distinguished service). The award seeks to recognize achievements in all fields of activities or disciplines where an element of public service is involved.
The Padma Awards are conferred on the recommendations made by the Padma Awards Committee, which is constituted by the Prime Minister every year. The nomination process is open to the public. Even self-nomination can be made. The award is given in three categories, namely,
- Padma Vibhushan for exceptional and distinguished service;
- Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of a high order;
- Padma Shri for distinguished service.
All nominations received for padma awards are placed before the padma awards committee, which is constituted by the prime minister every year. The padma awards committee is headed by the cabinet secretary and includes home secretary, secretary to the president and four to six eminent persons as members. The recommendations of the committee are submitted to the prime minister and the president of india for approval.