CBSE Class 6 General Knowledge

Unit 8: Current Affairs & General Awareness

Lesson: Major Awards of India

📘 Study Module: Major Awards of India

1. Introduction

India honours people who have made outstanding contributions in different fields through national awards. These awards recognise excellence, dedication, and service to the nation. Learning about major awards helps students understand national achievements and values.

2. Meaning of National Awards

National awards are honours given by the Government of India to individuals for exceptional work in fields such as arts, literature, science, sports, social service, and public life. These awards inspire others to serve the nation.

3. Civilian Awards of India

India has four major civilian awards. These awards are given for distinguished service of a high order. They are among the highest honours in the country.

4. Bharat Ratna

The Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award of India. It is given for exceptional service towards the nation. The award is given in fields such as art, literature, science, and public service.

5. Padma Awards

The Padma Awards are civilian awards given annually. They are divided into three categories:

• Padma Vibhushan – for exceptional and distinguished service
• Padma Bhushan – for distinguished service
• Padma Shri – for distinguished service in various fields

6. National Awards in Literature

The Jnanpith Award is the highest literary award in India. It is given to authors for outstanding contribution to Indian literature. It promotes Indian languages and literature.

7. National Awards in Cinema

The National Film Awards are given for excellence in Indian cinema. They recognise actors, directors, and technicians. These awards encourage quality films.

8. National Awards in Science and Peace

Awards are also given for scientific research and peace efforts. These awards recognise innovation, knowledge, and service to humanity. They encourage development and harmony.

9. Importance of Major Awards

Major awards motivate individuals to perform better. They promote excellence and dedication. Awards also create role models for society.

📝 Questions and Answers

A. Short Answer Questions

(One sentence each)

1. What are national awards?
   Answer: National awards are honours given by the Government of India for excellence.
2. Which is the highest civilian award in India?
   Answer: Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award in India.
3. Name one Padma Award.
   Answer: Padma Shri is one of the Padma Awards.
4. How many Padma Awards are there?
   Answer: There are three Padma Awards.
5. Which award is given for literature?
   Answer: Jnanpith Award is given for literature.
6. Who gives national awards in India?
   Answer: The Government of India gives national awards.
7. Which award recognises excellence in cinema?
   Answer: National Film Awards recognise excellence in cinema.
8. Are Padma Awards given every year?
   Answer: Yes, Padma Awards are given every year.
9. Which award is higher: Padma Bhushan or Padma Shri?
   Answer: Padma Bhushan is higher than Padma Shri.
10. Why are national awards important?
    Answer: They recognise and encourage excellence.

B. Long Answer Questions

(3–5 sentences each)

11. Explain the importance of national awards.
    Answer: National awards honour individuals for outstanding work. They motivate people to serve the nation. Awards promote excellence and dedication. They create role models.
12. Describe the Bharat Ratna award.
    Answer: Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award. It is given for exceptional service to the nation. It honours contributions in many fields. It is a symbol of national pride.
13. Write about Padma Awards.
    Answer: Padma Awards are civilian honours. They include Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. They are given annually. They recognise distinguished service.
14. What is the Jnanpith Award?
    Answer: The Jnanpith Award is India’s highest literary award. It honours outstanding authors. It promotes Indian literature. Writers from different languages receive it.
15. Explain National Film Awards.
    Answer: National Film Awards recognise excellence in cinema. They honour actors, directors, and technicians. They encourage quality films. They are given annually.
16. How do awards motivate people?
    Answer: Awards recognise hard work. They inspire others. People aim for excellence. National pride increases.
17. Name any two major awards of India and explain them.
    Answer: Bharat Ratna honours exceptional national service. Padma Shri recognises distinguished service in various fields. Both encourage excellence.
18. Why should students learn about major awards?
    Answer: Students gain general awareness. They learn about role models. It inspires ambition and service.
19. What values are promoted by national awards?
    Answer: Hard work and dedication are promoted. Service to society is encouraged. Excellence is rewarded.
20. How do national awards help society?
    Answer: They highlight positive contributions. People get inspired. National development is encouraged.

🧠 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

(With Answers and Detailed Explanations)

1. The highest civilian award in India is ______.
   a) Padma Shri
   b) Padma Bhushan
   c) Bharat Ratna
   d) Padma Vibhushan
   Answer: c) Bharat Ratna
   Explanation: Bharat Ratna is the top civilian honour.
2. How many Padma Awards are there?
   a) Two
   b) Three
   c) Four
   d) Five
   Answer: b) Three
   Explanation: There are three Padma Awards.
3. Padma Vibhushan is given for ______.
   a) sports only
   b) literature only
   c) exceptional service
   d) school education
   Answer: c) exceptional service
   Explanation: It is for the highest level of service.
4. Which Padma Award is the lowest category?
   a) Padma Vibhushan
   b) Padma Bhushan
   c) Padma Shri
   d) Bharat Ratna
   Answer: c) Padma Shri
   Explanation: Padma Shri is the entry-level Padma Award.
5. Jnanpith Award is related to ______.
   a) sports
   b) cinema
   c) literature
   d) science
   Answer: c) literature
   Explanation: It honours writers.
6. National Film Awards are related to ______.
   a) music
   b) dance
   c) cinema
   d) painting
   Answer: c) cinema
   Explanation: They honour films.
7. Who gives national awards in India?
   a) Schools
   b) Courts
   c) Government of India
   d) Media
   Answer: c) Government of India
   Explanation: Awards are given officially.
8. Bharat Ratna can be given in the field of ______.
   a) only politics
   b) only sports
   c) various fields
   d) only science
   Answer: c) various fields
   Explanation: Many fields are covered.
9. Padma Awards are given ______.
   a) monthly
   b) weekly
   c) annually
   d) once in ten years
   Answer: c) annually
   Explanation: They are yearly honours.
10. Which award is higher than Padma Shri?
    a) Bharat Ratna
    b) Padma Bhushan
    c) National Film Award
    d) Jnanpith Award
    Answer: b) Padma Bhushan
    Explanation: Padma Bhushan ranks higher.
11. Major awards encourage ______.
    a) laziness
    b) excellence
    c) fear
    d) pollution
    Answer: b) excellence
    Explanation: Excellence is rewarded.
12. National awards create ______.
    a) problems
    b) role models
    c) confusion
    d) waste
    Answer: b) role models
    Explanation: Awardees inspire others.
13. Which award is NOT a Padma Award?
    a) Padma Shri
    b) Padma Bhushan
    c) Padma Vibhushan
    d) Bharat Ratna
    Answer: d) Bharat Ratna
    Explanation: Bharat Ratna is separate.
14. Awards given for cinema encourage ______.
    a) quality films
    b) noise
    c) fear
    d) laziness
    Answer: a) quality films
    Explanation: Excellence is promoted.
15. National awards are symbols of ______.
    a) punishment
    b) honour
    c) failure
    d) fear
    Answer: b) honour
    Explanation: They represent recognition.
16. Jnanpith Award promotes ______.
    a) sports
    b) literature
    c) science
    d) games
    Answer: b) literature
    Explanation: It honours writers.
17. Awards help in national ______.
    a) division
    b) pride
    c) fear
    d) confusion
    Answer: b) pride
    Explanation: Achievements bring pride.
18. Padma Awards are civilian ______.
    a) punishments
    b) honours
    c) fines
    d) rules
    Answer: b) honours
    Explanation: They are honours.
19. Learning about awards improves ______.
    a) fear
    b) general knowledge
    c) laziness
    d) stress
    Answer: b) general knowledge
    Explanation: Awareness increases.
20. National awards encourage service to ______.
    a) self only
    b) society and nation
    c) fear
    d) pollution
    Answer: b) society and nation
    Explanation: Service is encouraged.

✅ End of Lesson

Prepared strictly in accordance with the NCERT syllabus and CBSE Class 6 examination standards.