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On Republic Day, India honours exceptional contributions with awards like the Padma Awards, Gallantry Medals, and others. These accolades highlight bravery, excellence, and service in various fields, symbolizing the nation’s gratitude to its heroes. Let’s learn more about these honours, their significance, and some intriguing facts that might just help you ace that competitive exam or enrich your general knowledge.
What are the Republic Day Awards?
Every year on January 26th, as India celebrates Republic Day, the nation takes a moment to recognise and honour individuals who’ve made exceptional contributions across various fields. These awards not only celebrate bravery and service but also acknowledge excellence in arts, literature, social work, and more.
Key Republic Day Awards and Awardees List
In the 2024 Republic Day honours, the Indian government conferred a total of 106 Padma Awards and 58 Gallantry Medals. These included:
1. Padma Awards:
- Padma Vibhushan: Awarded for exceptional and distinguished service.
- Padma Bhushan: Given for distinguished service of a high order.
- Padma Shri: Recognises distinguished service in any field.
These civilian awards are among the highest honours in India and are announced annually on Republic Day. They cover a wide range of disciplines, including art, social work, public affairs, science, and more.
2. Gallantry Awards:
| Gallantry Awards | Description | 2024 Awardees |
| Param Vir Chakra | India’s highest military decoration for valour in the face of the enemy. | No awardees this year |
| Ashoka Chakra | Highest peacetime gallantry award. | Major Shubham Singh |
| Kirti Chakra | Second-highest peacetime gallantry award. | Sepoy Ravi Kumar, CRPF |
| Shaurya Chakra | Third-highest peacetime gallantry award. | 19 personnel from the Army and CRPF. |
| President’s Police Medal for Gallantry | Awarded to police personnel for acts of conspicuous bravery. | 6 awardees from various states. |
3. Police Medals:
These include medals for distinguished and meritorious service in the police forces. Over 20 personnel were recognized for their exceptional dedication in 2024.
Fun Facts about Republic Day Awards
- The first Padma Awards were given in 1954 to luminaries like Dr. Satyendra Nath Bose.
- Gallantry awards often recognize acts of valour in hostile territories, showcasing the ultimate sacrifices made by soldiers.
- Children as young as 8 years old have received bravery awards for saving lives.
Republic Day awards are more than honours; they are a reflection of India’s gratitude towards its heroes. They emphasize excellence, bravery, and service, ensuring the nation never forgets its true champions. This year’s awardees serve as a beacon of inspiration for us all.
Common Doubts
