Nominations open for Padma awards, September 15 set as deadline

New Delhi, Sep 3: The process for nominations and recommendations for the Padma Awards 2025, set to be announced on Republic Day, began on May 1, 2024. The last date to submit nominations is September 15, 2024. Submissions will be accepted through the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal at https://awards.gov.in.

The Padma Awards, including Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri, rank among India’s highest civilian honours. Established in 1954, these awards are presented annually on Republic Day to individuals who have demonstrated ‘work of distinction’ in various fields such as Art, Literature, Education, Sports, Medicine, Social Work, Science and Engineering, Public Affairs, Civil Service, Trade, and Industry.

The awards are open to all citizens regardless of race, occupation, position, or gender, with the exception of government servants (excluding Doctors and Scientists) and those employed in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).

In its ongoing effort to transform the Padma Awards into “People’s Padma,” the government is encouraging citizens to submit nominations, including self-nominations.

Particular emphasis is being placed on recognising talented individuals from marginalised communities, including women, weaker sections of society, SCs & STs, persons with disabilities (divyang), and those providing selfless service to society.

Further information and submission guidelines are available under the ‘Awards and Medals’ section of the Ministry of Home Affairs website (https://mha.gov.in) and on the Padma Awards Portal (https://padmaawards.gov.in).