In an attempt to widen the choices for the top state honours, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Modi on Sunday asked citizens to submit names of ‘inspiring’ people for ‘Padma Awards’ .
The Prime Minister’s call has come amidst a thinking that for over the last seventy years coveted awards have become Delhi-centric and often hogged by those with the ‘right connect’.
Modi asked people to nominate their choice of persons, who are doing exceptional work at the grassroots for Padma awards.
In a tweet, Modi said India has many talented people doing exceptional work at the grassroots but they are often not much known.
“India has many talented people, who are doing exceptional work at the grassroots. Often, we don’t see or hear much of them. Do you know such inspiring people? You can nominate them for the #PeoplesPadma.
Nominations are open till 15th September. http://padmaawards.gov.in,” he tweeted, sharing the link of the website.
The Padma awards, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri are amongst the highest civilian awards of the country.
Instituted in 1954, these awards are announced on the occasion of the Republic Day every year.
In the past Modi-Government has honoured many little known people living in thr margins doing excellent work.