The Sardar Patel National Unity Award holds a special place in the hearts of Indians, as it recognizes individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contributions to promoting unity, integrity, and social harmony in the country. Instituted in 2019, this prestigious award is a testament to the vision and values of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India. In this blog post, we explore the significance of the Sardar Patel National Unity Award and discuss the process of nomination and citation writing.

Sardar Patel National Unity Award - GetSetResumes Blog

Honouring Unity and Integrity

The Sardar Patel National Unity Award serves as a beacon of inspiration for individuals from all walks of life. It celebrates those who have dedicated their lives to fostering unity, bridging divides, and strengthening the fabric of our nation. This award recognizes outstanding contributions in various fields, including social service, art and culture, sports, education, and public service. It highlights the importance of unity in diversity and honors those who have tirelessly worked towards this cause.

Crafting an Impactful Citation

Writing a compelling citation for the Sardar Patel National Unity Award requires careful thought and attention to detail. The citation should reflect the nominee’s unwavering commitment to unity and integrity, showcasing their significant achievements and impact in their respective field. Here are some key steps to consider while crafting the citation:

  1. Understand the Nominee: Engage with the nominee or their spokesperson to gain insights into their journey, motivations, and the initiatives they have undertaken to promote unity and social harmony. This will help create a comprehensive character sketch of the nominee.
  2. Highlight Contributions: Compile a comprehensive list of the nominee’s noteworthy contributions, emphasizing the positive impact they have had on society. Consider their efforts in fostering communal harmony, promoting inclusivity, empowering marginalized communities, and bridging social divides.
  3. Showcase Impactful Projects: Highlight specific projects or initiatives undertaken by the nominee that have made a tangible difference in promoting unity and social cohesion. Share stories of collaboration, empathy, and the positive change brought about through their endeavors.
  4. Recognize Achievements: Acknowledge any previous awards or recognition received by the nominee for their efforts in promoting unity and social harmony. This emphasizes their consistent dedication and reinforces the significance of their work.
  5. Convey Future Direction: Conclude the citation by expressing the nominee’s vision and commitment to continue their efforts, irrespective of winning the Sardar Patel National Unity Award. Emphasize their dedication to building a more united and harmonious society.

Eligibility Criteria

  1. The award is open to all Indian citizens, regardless of their religion, race, caste, gender, place of birth, age, or occupation. Institutions and organizations are also eligible to apply for the award.
  2. To be considered for the award, candidates must have demonstrated outstanding efforts and notable contributions in advancing the cause of national unity and integrity. Their actions should serve as an inspiration to others and contribute to the vision of a strong and united India.

The Decoration

  1. The Sardar Patel National Unity Award is symbolized by a lotus leaf-shaped decoration. It measures six centimeters in length, six and two centimeters at its widest point, and four millimeters in thickness. The decoration is made of fine silver and gold.
  2. The obverse of the decoration features an embossed replica of a lotus with sixteen petals spreading out from a rope circle, with a diameter of four to five centimeters. Within the circle, there is an embossed photograph of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, measuring one-sixth of a centimeter in diameter. Between the rope and the photo, the words “SARDAR PATEL NATIONAL UNITY AWARD” are embossed in Hindi.
  3. The reverse side of the decoration showcases the State Emblem and motto in Hindi. The lotus, petals, and emblem are made of fine silver plated with gold, while the inscription is frosted gold.

Number of Awardees

Each year, a maximum of three individuals or organizations will be honoured with the Sardar Patel National Unity Award.

Nomination Process

  1. Any Indian national, institution, or organization based in India can nominate deserving individuals, institutions, or organizations for consideration.
  2. Self-nominations are also accepted.
  3. Recommendations for the award may be sought from State Governments/UT Administrations and Ministries/Departments of the Government of India, which can submit their nominations online.

Selection Process

  1. A Screening Committee, chaired by a Special Secretary/Additional Secretary from the Ministry of Home Affairs and consisting of two Joint Secretaries, will be responsible for reviewing the applications.
  2. The Screening Committee will assess the eligibility and completeness of the applications, prepare a brief profile for each nominee, and verify the authenticity of the claimed work. They will also proactively identify deserving candidates.
  3. The shortlisted applications will be presented to the Award Committee for further consideration.
  4. The selected candidates will undergo verification by government investigating agencies to ensure their character and antecedents are beyond reproach.

Ceremony Details

  1. The President of India will confer the Sardar Patel National Unity Award through a Sanad, presented during a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The presentation ceremony may coincide with the Padma Awards presentation ceremony.
  2. On the day of the presentation ceremony, a commemorative brochure containing the photograph and quotations of Sardar Patel on the unity of India, along with the citation and photograph of the award winner, will be released.

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The Sardar Patel National Unity Award stands as a testament to the dedication and commitment of individuals and organizations working towards fostering national unity and reinforcing the values cherished by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Through this esteemed recognition, we pay homage to their tireless efforts in building a stronger, more harmonious India.

by Prachi Sachdeva
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