National Award For Senior Citizens (vayoshreshtha Samman): Courage & Bravery
₹2.5 lakh for senior citizens who showed extraordinary courage · one each male and female
The Vayoshreshtha Samman Courage and Bravery Award recognizes senior citizens who have displayed extraordinary courage in the face of grave danger — whether protecting human rights, national security, or fighting social evils. Two awards are given annually (one for a male and one for a female awardee), presented by the President of India on October 1st, each with a cash prize of Rs. 2,50,000. Nominations must go through authorized agencies via the National Awards Portal at awards.gov.in.
About This Scheme
The Vayoshreshtha Samman Courage and Bravery Award recognizes senior citizens who have displayed extraordinary courage in the face of grave danger — whether protecting human rights, national security, or fighting social evils. Two awards are given annually (one for a male and one for a female awardee), presented by the President of India on October 1st, each with a cash prize of Rs. 2,50,000. Nominations must go through authorized agencies via the National Awards Portal at awards.gov.in.
Full official description
Every year, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India confers the "National Award for Senior Citizens (Vayoshreshtha Samman)" to the eminent and outstanding senior citizens and institutions/organizations involved in rendering distinguished service for the cause of elderly persons, especially indigent senior citizens. The awards are conferred on 1st October every year by the Hon’ble President of India at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The "Vayoshreshtha Samman: Courage & Bravery" award shall be given to senior citizens who have displayed extraordinary courage in the face of grave danger. A total of 11 awards are given along with a Certificate, a Memento and also Cash Award. The Awards are given across 13 categories:
INSTITUTIONAL CATEGORY
- Best Institution for Research in the field of Ageing
- Best Institution for providing services to Senior Citizens and Awareness Generation
- Best District Panchayat in providing services and facilities to Senior Citizens
- Best Urban Local Body in providing services and facilities to Senior Citizens
- Best State in implementing the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, and providing services and facilities to Senior Citizens
- Best Private Sector Organisation in promoting the well-being and welfare of Senior Citizens
- Best Public Sector Organisation in promoting the well-being and welfare of Senior Citizens
INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY
- Centenarian
- Iconic Mother
- Lifetime Achievement
- Creative Art
- Sports and Adventure (one each for Male and Female)
- Courage & Bravery (one each for Male and Female)
Benefits
- Cash award of Rs. 2,50,000
- Citation and Memento
- Award presented by the President or Prime Minister of India at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on October 1st
- Travel and accommodation for the awardee and one companion fully covered by the Central Government
- Two awards in this category — one for male, one for female awardee
💡 Why Startups Should Care
For civic-tech or community safety founders, identifying and nominating courageous community elders for this award is a powerful way to build local trust and grassroots credibility in the areas where you operate.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be a senior citizen who has displayed exemplary courage in the face of grave danger
- Actions must relate to protection of human rights, national security, mitigation of social evils, or sustained efforts to protect lives in society
- One award each for male and female awardees (sub-categories)
- Must be nominated by an authorized agency (government ministries, state governments, past Padma/Vayoshreshtha awardees, NCSrC members, FICCI/CII/ASSOCHAM)
- Self-nominations are not accepted
- Open to all Indian individuals regardless of religion, race, sex, caste, or creed
Exclusions
- Self-nominations are not accepted
- Nominee must be a senior citizen; act must involve protection of human rights, national security, or mitigation of social evils
How to Apply
- Authorized nominating agencies register on the National Awards Portal at awards.gov.in
- Login, select 'Vayoshreshtha Samman - National Awards for Senior Citizens', and click 'Nominate/Apply Now'
- Fill the nomination form for the Courage & Bravery category, with specific details of the courageous act and the circumstances of danger
- Screening Committee shortlists; Selection Committee makes the final selection
- Awards are presented by the President or Prime Minister on 1st October each year — one award each for male and female sub-categories
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the objectives of this scheme?
The objective of this scheme is to honour the eminent and outstanding senior citizens and institutions/organizations involved in rendering distinguished service for the cause of elderly persons, especially indigent senior citizens.
When are these awards conferred?
The awards are conferred on 1st October every year.
Who confers these awards?
The awards are conferred by the Hon'ble President of India at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
What is the address of Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi?
The address of Vigyan Bhawan is: Maulana Azad Rd, Rajpath Area, Central Secretariat, New Delhi, Delhi 110011
How many categories are there in this award?
The Awards are given across 13 categories: 07 Institutional Categories and 06 categories of individual type.
What Is The Amount Of The Cash Award In This Scheme?
The Awardee is given a Cash award of [?] 2,50,000/-.
What is the maximum amount of the cash award in the institutional category?
Yes, the to-and-fro travelling expenses and accommodation for up to one day prior to and after the date of the Samman ceremony (depending upon the actual arrival and departure dates) shall be arranged and the expenditure shall be reimbursed by the Central Government.
Will the to-and-from travelling expenses of the awardee be reimbursed?
Yes, there is an award for the "Best Urban Local Body in providing services and Facilities to Senior Citizens" under the Institutional Category.
Are there any awards for urban local bodies?
The awards are open to all Indian Institutions, Organizations and Individuals without any distinction or discrimination on grounds of religion, race, sex, caste or creed.
While conferring the award, is there any preference/priority given to educational institutions?
No, Self-nominations for the Awards shall not be considered.
Can I nominate myself for this award?
National Awards Portal, Ministry of Home Affairs at https://awards.gov.in
What is the URL of the national awards portal?
The Application should be in Hindi or English language only.
Can the application form be filled in malayalam?
Yes, the Bio-Data is a mandatory document for Individual Categories of the Award.
Where can I find the PDF of the scheme guidelines?
The PDF of the Scheme Guidelines can be found at - https://socialjustice.gov.in/writereaddata/UploadFile/Englishfull169.pdf
Who can become a nominee for this award?
The awards are open to all Indian Institutions, Organizations and Individuals.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Aadhaar card
- Photograph of the nominee
- Bio-data
- Proof of age
- Proof of address
- Educational qualification certificates
- Proof of professional experience
- Details of work done in the last 3 years
- Details of awards and honors received