Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked people to nominate inspiring people for the nation's highest civilian honours

Nominate those who are doing exceptional work at the grassroots, but are not much known, for the 'People's Padma' awards, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said.

India had many talented people, who were doing exceptional work at the grassroots, he said in a tweet on Sunday, adding that nominations for the Padma Awards were open till September 15.

"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," PM Modi said on Twitter on Sunday.

https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1414085499971465216?s=19

Among India's highest civilian honours, the Padma awards—Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan—are announced on Republic Day's eve every year.

The Government has said that it is committed to transform the Padma Awards into “People’s Padma”.

"All citizens are therefore requested to make nominations/recommendations including self-nomination," the Union Home Ministry had said on June 10 while kicking off this year's process on June 10.

The ministry had requested all Central Ministries/Departments, States/UT Governments, Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan awardees, Institutes of Excellence that concerted efforts may be made " to identify talented persons whose excellence and achievements really deserve to be recognized from amongst women, weaker sections of the society, SCs & STs, divyang persons and who are doing selfless service to society".

Instituted in 1954, the award seeks to recognize ‘work of distinction’ and is given for distinguished and exceptional achievements/service in all fields/disciplines, such as, Art, Literature and Education, Sports, Medicine, Social Work, Science and Engineering, Public Affairs, Civil Service, Trade and Industry etc.

All persons without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex are eligible for these Awards. Government servants including those working with PSUs, except Doctors and Scientists, are not eligible for the Padma Awards.