Ritoban Ghosh
XII B
Most countries have their own honour system – the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia are some well known such examples. The aim of the honours system is to acknowledge the best contributors which could be from social work to business. The range of the field is anything humanly possible. The major awards given by the government of India are Civilian awards, Military awards, Leadership awards, Literature awards among others. The highest civilian award in India is the Bharat Ratna, any deserved individual is eligible for this award, including foreign citizens. The awardee receives a signed certificate also known as Sanad from the President India and a medallion. This is followed by the Padma awards announced on Republic Day – Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shree. The awards mentioned are listed in order of decreasing importance. The military awards are Param Veer Chakra, Mahaveer Chakra and Veer Chakra in decreasing order of importance. Interestingly the highest civilian award of France Viz. Legion of Honour was for distinguished military service when instituted by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802. Major awards in leadership are the Gandhi Peace Prize and Indira Gandhi Prize. The highest literary honour in India is the Jnanpith Award. Some National sports awards include the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and the Dronacharya award.