Skip to content Overview of the Kabir Puraskar Scheme
Established by the Government of India in 1990, the Kabir Puraskar Scheme is a prestigious national award aimed at fostering communal, caste, and ethnic harmony across the nation. This initiative recognizes the acts of physical and moral courage demonstrated by individuals during incidents of communal riots, caste conflicts, or ethnic clashes. These acts involve substantial personal risk to the life, body, or property of the rescuer and their family members.
Purpose of the Award
The primary objective of the Kabir Puraskar is to acknowledge and honor those who put themselves in harm’s way to protect others from different communities, castes, or ethnic backgrounds. This award underscores the importance of unity and peace in a diverse society by promoting acts that support mutual respect and understanding.
Award Categories and Criteria
The Kabir Puraskar is divided into three distinct grades, each reflecting the severity and impact of the act performed:
- Grade I: Awarded for the most conspicuous acts of courage under extreme danger, potentially resulting in death or permanent incapacitation of the rescuer.
- Grade II: Recognizes acts of courage under significant danger to the rescuer, involving bodily injury.
- Grade III: For acts of courage that involve immediate action to save lives and property without resulting in severe injury to the rescuer.
Eligibility and Nomination Process
Eligibility for the Kabir Puraskar is broad, encompassing all Indian citizens irrespective of their profession, with the exception of members of the Armed Forces, Police Forces, recognized fire services, and government servants performing their duty. Nominations are accepted from all walks of life and are reviewed by a Screening Committee, which includes high-ranking officials such as the Union Home Secretary and the Director of the Intelligence Bureau.
Selection and Presentation of the Award
Nominations for the Kabir Puraskar are collected through the State Governments or Union Territory Administrations. These are then evaluated by the Screening Committee, which makes recommendations based on the courage and impact of each act. The final approval lies with the Union Home Minister and the Prime Minister.
The awardees are honored in a special ceremony in New Delhi, presided over by the Prime Minister. This prestigious event takes place annually on October 2nd, coinciding with the International Day of Non-Violence, adding symbolic importance to the awards.
Impact and Significance
The Kabir Puraskar has played a crucial role in highlighting and rewarding the heroic deeds of ordinary citizens who act with extraordinary bravery and compassion. By recognizing such acts, the award not only encourages more individuals to act heroically in future conflicts but also serves as a beacon of hope and solidarity in times of communal or ethnic tension.
Continuous Recognition and Influence
The influence of the Kabir Puraskar extends beyond the recipients, inspiring communities to come together in support of peace and harmony. It serves as a reminder of the power of individual actions in shaping a more cohesive society.
Conclusion
The Kabir Puraskar Scheme is more than just an award; it is a testament to the enduring spirit of humanity and brotherhood in India. Through its comprehensive recognition system and the significant monetary and honorary rewards, it continues to encourage the citizens of India to stand up for each other, reinforcing the fabric of national unity and peace.
