On the occasion of Republic Day, celebrated on January 26
every year, several awards and medals are conferred upon nominated individuals.
The awards are divided into a few categories based on the type of
award and the recipients. Below listed are the several types of medals given
out to the nominated military personnel or civilians:

Padma Awards: The Padma Awards, namely – Padma
Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri, are amongst the highest civilian
awards in India after Bharat Ratna, and are given in various disciplines or fields of activity,
such as social work, public affairs, art, science and engineering, medicine,
trade, literature and education, sports etc.

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‘Padma Vibhushan’ is distinguished for
being awarded to those with exceptional service, while ‘Padma Bhushan’ is given
out for exceptional service of high order. ‘Padma Bhushan’ is conferred upon
individuals for distinguished service in any field. The awards and announced on
Republic Day every year.

Gallantry Awards: Given to soldiers who have
committed outstanding deeds of bravery and selfless service, the Bravery medals
– Maha Vir Chakra, Vir Chakra and Param Vir Chakra – are suited to fit the most
courageous, and were instituted by the Government of India on January 26, 1950.

Three other Gallantry Awards – Ashok Chakra
Class I, Ashok Chakra Class II and Ashok Chakra Class III – named Ashok Chakra,
Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra later on, are the other three gallantry awards.
These awards are announced on Republic Day and on the occasion of Independence
Day in August every year.

President’s Police Medals: Conferred upon police
officials who display either gallantry or distinguished service, the President’s
Police Medal is given out on Republic Day as well as on Independence Day every
year. The medal was originally called President’s Police and Fire Services
Medal. While the medal for gallantry is awarded for display of gallantry in
saving life and property, or in preventing crime or arresting criminals, the
distinguished service medal is given to those having served in the police
service or in the central security services for at least 21 years.

President’s Fire Services, Home Guards and Civil
defence medals: Gallantry medals as well as medals for meritorious or distinguished
services are given out to be individuals serving in the fire services, as home
guards and civil defence officials.

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As per the Directorate General of Fire
Services, Civil Defences and Home Guards, the recommendations for the first two
would have to be initiated by an officer not below the rank of District
Commander or Controller of Civil Defence. The medals were instituted in
October, 1974, and are awarded every year on the occasions of Republic Day and Independence
Day based on recommendation from the respective State or Union Territory
Government.

The President’s medals in Fire Service for distinguished
service and gallantry were instituted in October, 1975 and follow a similar
procedure of recommendation from the respective state or Union Territory government. 

Correctional Services Medal: Based on recommendations
from the All India Committee on Jail Reforms (1980-83) and later on a group of
officers headed by RK Kapoor (1986), who were tasked with examining and
reviewing the prevalent management and administration inside prisons, especially
security and disciplinary situations inside India’s prisons.

As per the Ministry of Home Affairs, the President’s
Correctional Service Medal for Gallantry and for meritorious service are given
for either a specially distinguished record in correctional services, for
success in organising service or maintaining the administration in special difficulties
such as mass admission of prisoners, or outstanding ability in putting out
riots, preventing escape of prisoners, rescuing officials, sportsmanship,
public work and exemplary service marked by efficiency.

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Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar: Formerly
known as National Child Award for Exceptional Achievement, the award is given
to recipients under the age of 18 years and is India’s highest civilian honour
bestowed upon exceptional achievers for the same age group. Instituted in 1996
to recognise young talent with far-reaching capabilities, the award is usually
conferred by the President of India in the week prior to the the Republic Day
ceremony.

Jeevan Raksha Padak: A civilian lifesaving
award presented by the Government of India, the Jeevan Raksha Padak is
conferred upon civilians who have saved others from calamities such as drowning,
fire or mining accidents. The award is categorised into three divisions –
Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak, Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak, and Jeevan Raksha
Padak.