The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is a crucial examination for aspiring candidates looking to join the Indian Air Force. While preparing for AFCAT, it’s essential for students to be well-versed in various aspects of national recognition, including prestigious awards in different fields. These awards not only reflect the excellence of individuals but also serve as a source of inspiration for AFCAT aspirants. In this article, we will explore some prominent national awards and their relevance to AFCAT students.
National Awards and Their Fields
- Param Vir Chakra:
The Param Vir Chakra is the highest military decoration awarded for acts of conspicuous bravery in the presence of the enemy. Established in 1950, the award holds immense significance for those in the armed forces. AFCAT aspirants can draw inspiration from the stories of Param Vir Chakra recipients, learning about valor, courage, and dedication to the nation.
- Ashoka Chakra:
The Ashoka Chakra is awarded for acts of gallantry, bravery, and self-sacrifice away from the battlefield. It is a civilian equivalent of the Param Vir Chakra and is a symbol of courage and devotion to duty. AFCAT students can derive motivation from the stories of Ashoka Chakra awardees, understanding the importance of serving the nation in various capacities.
- Arjuna Award:
The Arjuna Award is bestowed upon outstanding athletes in various sports disciplines. Recognizing exceptional achievements and consistent performance, this award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of athletes. AFCAT aspirants can learn valuable lessons about discipline, perseverance, and physical fitness from the journey of Arjuna Award recipients.
- Kirti Chakra:
The Kirti Chakra is a military decoration awarded for valour, courage, and self-sacrifice away from the field of battle. It recognizes exceptional acts of bravery in the face of adversity. AFCAT students can gain insights into the importance of quick decision-making and bravery from the stories of Kirti Chakra awardees.
- Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna:
Recognizing outstanding achievements in sports by Indian athletes, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna is the highest sporting honor in the country. AFCAT aspirants can draw inspiration from the dedication, discipline, and passion exhibited by Khel Ratna awardees, understanding the importance of maintaining peak physical fitness in a career in the Indian Air Force.
Civilian Awards
Civilian awards are honors conferred upon individuals who have made distinguished contributions to culture, society, or other fields, without essentially serving in the military or government. These awards are characteristically given by national governments or non-profit organizations and are often envisioned to recognize exceptional service, achievement, or public service. These awards are conferred to people who have achieved a milestone in their respective fields.
Civilian Awards of India are of four types:
- Bharat Ratna
- Padma Vibhushan
- Padma Bhushan
- Padma Shri
Gallantry Awards
Gallantry awards are honors given to individuals who have confirmed excellent courage, bravery, and valor in the face of danger or adversity. There are numerous different types of gallantry awards, each with its specific criteria and levels of recognition. In many cases, the awards are hierarchical, with higher levels reserved for more exceptional acts of bravery.
Mainly there are two types of awards in India:
- War-Time Gallantry Awards
(i) Param Vir Chakra
(ii) Maha Vir Chakra
(iii) Vir Chakra
- Peace-Time Gallantry Awards
(i) Ashoka Chakra
(ii) Kirti Chakra
(iii) Shaurya Chakra
National Sports Awards
National sports awards are a set of admired awards given annually to honor outstanding achievements and contributions in India’s sports field. A committee of experts designates the award winners and coaches, comprising former sportspersons, and sports administrators, based on their performance and contribution to their respective sports.
There are four types:
(a) Major Dhyanchand Khel Ratna Award
(b) Arjuna Award,
(c) Dronacharya Award
(d) Dhyan Chand Award
Literary Awards
Literary awards are a set of significant honors given to poets, authors,, and other literary figures for their brilliant contributions to the world of literature. These awards recognize outstanding works of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and other literary genres and are often supported by literary societies, publishing houses, or cultural organizations. The criteria for selecting award winners vary from one award to another. Some awards identify the quality of originality, writing, and creativity, while others focus on the effect of the work on society or cultural significance.
There are three types:
(a) Jnanpith Award
(b) Sahitya Akademi Fellowship
(c) Sahitya Akademi Award
Conclusion:
National awards serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for AFCAT students, providing them with real-life examples of courage, dedication, and excellence. By understanding the stories behind these awards, aspirants can cultivate a holistic approach towards their preparation, incorporating values that go beyond academic knowledge. The journey of national award recipients reflects the true spirit of service to the nation, a quality essential for those aspiring to join the prestigious Indian Air Force through AFCAT.
