The Bharat Ratna awardees are entitled for a diplomatic passport. Diplomatic passport entitles them for a separate immigration counter, access to VIP lounge in the airports etc. Apart from this, the Indian Missions abroad extend them all possible support in their visits abroad.

The awardees are presented a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion. The recipients are also given a small replica of the medallion, which they can wear during any ceremonial/State functions etc., if the awardees so desire.

The Padma Shri award is an acknowledgment of Zahir’s contribution to India’s victory in the 1971 war against Pakistan..

three categories
Padma Awards were instituted in the year 1954. Except for brief interruptions during the years 1977 to 1980 and 1993 to 1997, these awards have been announced every year on Republic Day. The award is given in three categories: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, in decreasing order of importance.

Recipients

The recipients are selected by a committee constituted by the Ministry and are honoured for their “good performance in the field of sports over a period of four years” at international level and for having shown “qualities of leadership, sportsmanship and a sense of discipline.”

The youngest recipient of Padma Shri so far is

• Sachin Tendulkar.
• Shobana Chandrakumar.
• Sania Mirza.
• Billy Arjan Singh.

Padma Vibhushan
On 15 January 1955, the Padma Vibhushan was reclassified into three different awards: the Padma Vibhushan, the highest of the three, followed by the Padma Bhushan and the Padma Shri. The award, along with other personal civilian honours, was briefly suspended twice in its history.

Bharat Ratna
‘Bharat Ratna’, the highest civilian Award of the country, was instituted in the year 1954. Any person without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex is eligible for these awards. It is awarded in recognition of exceptional service/performance of the highest order in any field of human endeavour.

Tax on income If the award is approved by the Government you don’t have to pay taxes. If, however, the award is not approved, tax would have to be paid.

When is the award tax-free? Awards given in public interest by the Central or State Government or any other body after approval from the Government are tax-free. For instance, the Bharat Ratna award received by Sachin Tendulkar from the Government of India is tax-free.

The recommendations for the Bharat Ratna are made by the Prime Minister to the President, with a maximum of three nominees being awarded per year. The recipients receive a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a peepal leaf-shaped medallion. There is no monetary grant associated with the award.