The Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, is conferred based on recommendations made by the Prime Minister to the President. Typically, no more than three individuals are awarded the Bharat Ratna in a given year. In contrast, the Padma Awards—comprising the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri—are decided by the Padma Awards Committee, which is formed annually by the Prime Minister. This committee is headed by the Cabinet Secretary, and its recommendations are forwarded to the Prime Minister and the President for final approval.
The Padma Vibhushan is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service, the Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of a high order, and the Padma Shri for distinguished service in any field. Recipients of these awards receive a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President, a medallion, and a miniature version of the medallion that can be used for ceremonial occasions. The names of the awardees are also officially published in the Gazette of India.
