Every year on Republic Day, India celebrates its journey as a free nation by recognizing the extraordinary contributions of its citizens. This year, on January 26, 2024, the nation bestowed its highest civilian honours – the Bharat Ratna, Padma Awards, and Gallantry awards for Indian Armed Forces and Police Personnel – upon individuals who have left an indelible mark on various fields.
BHARAT RATNA
A wave of emotion and jubilation swept across Bihar and beyond as the news of former Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur being posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna – the nation’s highest civilian honor – resonated in hearts and homes. This recognition bestowed upon the champion of the marginalized and a beacon of social justice marked a historic moment, etching Thakur’s legacy in the annals of India’s greatest heroes.
Affectionately known as “Jan Nayak”, meaning “people’s hero”, Thakur dedicated his life to uplifting the downtrodden and fighting for equality. Born in a humble family in Samastipur district, Bihar, he rose through the ranks of socialist politics, becoming a powerful voice for the underprivileged. As Chief Minister from 1970 to 1979, he implemented several iconic measures like land reforms, reservation for backward classes, and the prohibition of alcohol, all aimed at empowering the most vulnerable sections of society.
PADMA AWARDS
Padma Awards – one of the highest civilian Awards of the country, are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. The Awards are given in various disciplines / fields of activities, viz.- art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc. ‘Padma Vibhushan’ is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service; ‘Padma Bhushan’ for distinguished service of high order and ‘Padma Shri’ for distinguished service in any field. The awards are announced on the occasion of Republic Day every year.
These Awards are conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions which are held at Rashtrapati Bhawan usually around March / April every year. For the year 2024, the President has approved conferment of 132 Padma Awards including 2 duo cases (in a duo case, the Award is counted as one) as per list below. The list comprises 5 Padma Vibhushan, 17 Padma Bhushan and 110 Padma Shri Awards. 30 of the awardees are women and the list also includes 8 persons from the category of Foreigners / NRI / PIO / OCI and 9 Posthumous awardees. Access the 2024 Padma Awardees list here.
GALLANTRY AWARD FOR AMRMED FORCES PERSONNEL
President Smt Droupadi Murmu has approved Gallantry awards to 80 Armed Forces personnel, including 12 posthumous, on the eve of 75 Republic Day. These include six Kirti Chakras, including three posthumous; 16 Shaurya Chakras, including two posthumous; 53 Sena Medals, including seven posthumous; one Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry) and four Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry).
The President also approved 311 defence decorations to Armed Forces and other personnel. Theseinclude 31 Param Vishisht Seva Medals; four Uttam Yudh Seva Medals; two Bar to Ati Vishisht SevaMedals; 59 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals; 10 Yudh Seva Medals; eight Bar to Sena Medals (Devotion toDuty); 38 Sena Medals (Devotion to Duty); 10 Nao Sena Medals (Devotion to Duty); 14 Vayu SenaMedals (Devotion to Duty); five Bar to Vishisht Seva Medal and 130 Vishisht Seva Medals. Access the list of Gallantry Awards for Armed Forces here.
GALLANTRY AWARD FOR POLICE PERSONNEL
On the occasion of the Republic Day, 2024, a total of 1132 personnel of Police, Fire Service, Home Guard & Civil Defence and Correctional Service have been awarded Gallantry/Service Medals. Sixteen Gallantry/Service Medals (for Police, Fire Service, Home Guard & Civil Defence and Correctional Service) have been rationalized and merged into four medals. President’s Medal for Gallantry (PMG), Medal for Gallantry (GM), President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) and Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM). After recent restructuring of medals, a total of 1132 personnel of Police, Fire Service, Home Guard &Civil Defence and Correctional Service have been awarded Gallantry/ Service Medals on the occasion of the Republic Day, 2024. Access the list of gallantry awards for Police Personnel – President’s Medal for Gallantry; Medal for Gallantry; President’s Medal for Distinguished Service; Medal for Meritorious Service.
Padma Awardees
Gallantry Awards for Armed Forces
President’s Medal for Gallantry
Medal for Gallantry
President’s Medal for Distinguished Service
Medal for Meritorious Service
