Grassroots glory

Once criticised for political bias, the Padma Awards are in the process of being reformed to prioritise inclusivity and transparency by celebrating unsung heroes from grassroots communities

- ANURAG PUNETHA

India's Padma Awards, established in 1954, have I long been a prestigious symbol of recognition for outstanding contributions to society. These civilian honours, categorised as Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri, acknowledge excellence across various fields such as arts, sports, literature, public service, and science. However, the awards have not been without controversy. In the past, they were often criticised for being politically influenced and favouring elites over grassroots changemakers. Recent reforms, however, have democratised the selection process, shifting the perception and integrity of the awards.

For years, there were whispers about favouritism in awarding Padma honours, especially during the tenure of previous governments. The process was seen as opaque, with awards allegedly being bestowed upon individuals with political ties rather than on merit. Critics claimed that the selection process catered more to those with influence in political circles or the entertainment industry, sidelining deserving individuals from rural or marginalised communities. As a result, the prestige of the Padma Awards diminished in the eyes of many.

The current government took significant steps to make the Padma Awards more inclusive and transparent. One of the key measures was opening up nominations to the public. Instead of being dominated by nominations from politicians, bureaucrats, and industrialists, people from all walks of life were encouraged to nominate candidates they felt deserved recognition.