Score:
6/10
Analyze what earned this score 🔥
Topper’s Copy
GS1
Art & Culture
10 marks
“Padma Awards are not merely civilian honours but instruments of social recognition.” Examine the significance of Padma Awards in strengthening inclusive nation-building.
Student’s Answer
Evaluation by SuperKalam
Demand of the Question
- Examine Padma Awards as instruments of social recognition (beyond mere honors)
- Analyze their significance in strengthening inclusive nation-building
- Evaluate the transformation from elite recognition to grassroots inclusivity
What you wrote:
Padma Awards are now shifted towards "Jan Padma" (People's padma award) from the elite recognition to considering the grass root level contribution.
[DRAWING: A flow chart titled "Cycle of social recognition". At the top, a bubble contains "National recognition (Padma awards)" with an arrow pointing down to "Elevation of social status & influence". From there, an arrow points left to "Inspiration & replication of civic virtue". This leads up to "Strengthened inclusive nation building", which then points to "Grass root contribution". Finally, an arrow from "Grass root contribution" completes the cycle by pointing back to "National recognition (Padma awards)."]
Padma Awards are now shifted towards "Jan Padma" (People's padma award) from the elite recognition to considering the grass root level contribution.
[DRAWING: A flow chart titled "Cycle of social recognition". At the top, a bubble contains "National recognition (Padma awards)" with an arrow pointing down to "Elevation of social status & influence". From there, an arrow points left to "Inspiration & replication of civic virtue". This leads up to "Strengthened inclusive nation building", which then points to "Grass root contribution". Finally, an arrow from "Grass root contribution" completes the cycle by pointing back to "National recognition (Padma awards)."]
Suggestions to improve:
- Could briefly define what constitutes "social recognition" to establish clearer conceptual foundation before diving into the transformation.
What you wrote:
Significance of Padma Awards in strengthening inclusive nation building
1) Democratisation: Online nomination portal allows any citizen to nominate unsung heroes, removing traditional barriers.
2) Grass root recognition: Tulasi Gouda, the "Encyclopaedia of Forest" was honored for her lifelong environmental conservation efforts.
3) Social cohesion: Harekala Hajabba, an orange seller was recognized for his selfless dedication to building schools.
4) Cultural preservation: National validation of tribal artisans ensures the survival of indigenous knowledge and dying art forms.
5) Civic inspiration: Elevating quiet achievers creates relatable role models, inspiring youth towards service oriented careers.
Significance of Padma Awards in strengthening inclusive nation building
1) Democratisation: Online nomination portal allows any citizen to nominate unsung heroes, removing traditional barriers.
2) Grass root recognition: Tulasi Gouda, the "Encyclopaedia of Forest" was honored for her lifelong environmental conservation efforts.
3) Social cohesion: Harekala Hajabba, an orange seller was recognized for his selfless dedication to building schools.
4) Cultural preservation: National validation of tribal artisans ensures the survival of indigenous knowledge and dying art forms.
5) Civic inspiration: Elevating quiet achievers creates relatable role models, inspiring youth towards service oriented careers.
Suggestions to improve:
- Could elaborate on the online nomination system introduced in 2016, which received over 4.5 lakh nominations by 2023, showcasing true democratization.
- Can include examples of marginalized community recognition (e.g., transgender activist Gauri Sawant, Dalit rights advocate Bezwada Wilson) to strengthen the inclusive dimension.
- Could discuss regional diversity in awards distribution, ensuring representation from all states and UTs.
What you wrote:
By prioritising the substance over status, the awards acts as a moral compass. They align with the vision of an inclusive "New India" - "Sabka saath, sabka vikas".
By prioritising the substance over status, the awards acts as a moral compass. They align with the vision of an inclusive "New India" - "Sabka saath, sabka vikas".
Suggestions to improve:
- Could strengthen by mentioning the constitutional vision of social justice (Articles 14-16) or linking to SDG goals for a more comprehensive forward-looking perspective.
Your answer demonstrates strong conceptual clarity with excellent examples and a creative flowchart. The transformation theme is well-captured, though deeper analysis of systemic inclusivity mechanisms would enhance the response further.
Demand of the Question
- Examine Padma Awards as instruments of social recognition (beyond mere honors)
- Analyze their significance in strengthening inclusive nation-building
- Evaluate the transformation from elite recognition to grassroots inclusivity
What you wrote:
Padma Awards are now shifted towards "Jan Padma" (People's padma award) from the elite recognition to considering the grass root level contribution.
[DRAWING: A flow chart titled "Cycle of social recognition". At the top, a bubble contains "National recognition (Padma awards)" with an arrow pointing down to "Elevation of social status & influence". From there, an arrow points left to "Inspiration & replication of civic virtue". This leads up to "Strengthened inclusive nation building", which then points to "Grass root contribution". Finally, an arrow from "Grass root contribution" completes the cycle by pointing back to "National recognition (Padma awards)."]
Padma Awards are now shifted towards "Jan Padma" (People's padma award) from the elite recognition to considering the grass root level contribution.
[DRAWING: A flow chart titled "Cycle of social recognition". At the top, a bubble contains "National recognition (Padma awards)" with an arrow pointing down to "Elevation of social status & influence". From there, an arrow points left to "Inspiration & replication of civic virtue". This leads up to "Strengthened inclusive nation building", which then points to "Grass root contribution". Finally, an arrow from "Grass root contribution" completes the cycle by pointing back to "National recognition (Padma awards)."]
Suggestions to improve:
- Could briefly define what constitutes "social recognition" to establish clearer conceptual foundation before diving into the transformation.
More Challenges
View All- View Challenge
GS2
Indian Polity
11 Jul, 2026
“Judicial independence cannot become a shield against judicial accountability.” Examine this statement in light of the constitutional process for removing judges and the accountability concerns raised by a judge resigning during pending removal proceedings.
- View Challenge
GS2
International Relations
Yesterday
"Critical minerals have emerged as the new strategic resources of the 21st century." Discuss their significance for India's economic and strategic security. Examine how international partnerships can strengthen India's critical mineral ecosystem.
- View Challenge
GS3
Economy
9 Jul, 2026
"The success of ethanol blending depends as much on fuel quality and vehicle compatibility as on blending targets." Examine this statement in the context of India's transition towards E20 fuel.
SuperKalam is your personal mentor for UPSC preparation, guiding you at every step of the exam journey.
Download the App
STUDY RESOURCES
CONTACT US
ⓒ Snapstack Technologies Private Limited