The Padma awards
2009-10-01The Padma awards come next in the hierarchy of the civilian awards, instituted by the Government of India. These awards are conferred on any citizen of India who has excelled in any field like arts, sports, literature, science, academics, etc., including government servants. In the order of hierarchy they are The Padma Vibhushan, The Padma Bhushan and then The Padma Shree Award. Padma means Lotus. These awards are a round medallion with the lotus design on one side and the Lion capital emblem on the other side. These were instituted in 1954 along with the Bharat Ratna award. These awards carry a medal along with a citation.