Sardar Patel National Unity Award: Govt Likely To Name Winner This Yr, Pg6

Key Highlights:

• The Sardar Patel National Unity Award, instituted in September 2019, is expected to announce its first recipients this year.
• The announcement coincides with the conclusion of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's 150th birth anniversary celebrations.
• Managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the award is considered equivalent to the Padma Vibhushan.
• It recognizes outstanding efforts and notable contributions to promoting national unity and integrity.
• The award comprises a medal and a citation, with no monetary grant attached.

Sardar Patel Award.jpg

Detailed Insights:

• Despite being instituted seven years ago, no recipients were deemed "deserving" until the current year.
• Nominations for the award were invited from June 1 to July 31 this year, receiving over 150 entries.
• An award committee, constituted by the Prime Minister, will select candidates after verification by investigating agencies.
• The award will be presented by the President alongside the Padma Awards next year.
• The medal is designed in the form of a lotus leaf, made of gold and silver, featuring Sardar Patel's portrait on one side and the national emblem on the other.
• It is generally not conferred posthumously, except in very rare and highly deserving cases.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Sardar Patel National Unity Award: A national award instituted by the Indian government to recognize contributions to national unity and integrity.
• Padma Vibhushan: The second-highest civilian award of the Republic of India, awarded for exceptional and distinguished service.
• Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA): A ministry of the Government of India responsible for internal security and domestic policy.
• National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas): Celebrated on October 31st to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.