Padma Vibhushan

In Indian Republic, Padma Vibhushan is considered as the second highest award for civilians comprising of a citation and medal, the President of India giving away the award. In 1954, on 2nd January, the award was first given which ranks after Bharat Ratna, but before Padma Bhushan award and Padma Shri in terms of rankings. Padma Vibhushan is given to people for their service to India which might be considered as distinguished and exceptional, even in case of government service. In 1954, when the award was first instituted, it was received by Satyendra Nath Bose, Zakir Hussain, Nand Lal Bose, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, Balasaheb Gangadhar Kher and V.K. Krishna Menon.

Among the Padma Awards in India, Padma Vibhushan was given the category of First Class or Pahela Varg. Originally, the design had a gold medal circular in shape of 1-3/8 inches diameter. In the medal’s centre, there was an inscription of a lotus flower above which was writer Padma Vibhushan. A wreath made of lotus is inscribed at the lower part. On the reverse side is the emblem of the state with the inscription of Desh Seva or National Service towards the upper end and a lotus wreath done below. But in 1955, on 8th January, the design got changed in order to do away with the concept of class or category.

History of Padma Vibhushan

Padma Vibhushan was brought into being through a decree by the President of India on 2nd January 1954. This award was initially considered to be within the Pahela Varg of the three categories into which the Padma awards were divided. But this class structure was done away with in 1955 and hence, records for the award given in the original design are not found. Between the year 1977 and 1980, and again from 1992 till 1998, the award was not given to anyone due to suspension. As of 2012 last, the award has been honored upon 288 eminent personalities.

Medallion Details of Padma Vibhushan

First Medallion (1954–1955)

In initial years, the medal which was made in 1954, was circular in shape and made of gold with diameter of 1-3/8 inches, the centre having a lotus flower embossed and Padma Vibhushan was written at the upper side and lower side had floral wreath emblem. Reverse side had the emblem of Indian State and Desh Seva was inscribed above this emblem and the downside had lotus wreath. In the present day, no records can be found about this particular design being present in the medals which were given to the first year awardees.

Second Medallion (1955–1957)

Medal design in 1955 was changed to a circular structure of diameter 1-3/16 inches, which had geometry like patterns on the badge made of toned bronze. A Lotus Flower was present in the centre which had specifically 4 petals been embossed in color of white gold. Towards the upper side and lower side, Padma Vibhushan was etched in color of silver gilt.

Current Medallion (1957–current)

Again in 1957, there were some changes, although the design of the badge was the same with material of the medal being changed to burnish Bronze from toned bronze.

List of Award Winners in India

In order to get the list of all awardees of Padma Vibhushan, the following link can be visited:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Padma_Vibhushan

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