National Award For Senior Citizens (vayoshreshtha Samman): Creative Art
₹2.5 lakh for senior artists still active in literature, music, dance, or film
The Vayoshreshtha Samman Creative Art Award celebrates senior citizens who have received national or international recognition for contributions to literature, theatre, cinema, music, dance, painting, sculpture, or photography — and who continue to actively practice their art in old age. Presented by the President of India on October 1st, the award includes a cash prize of Rs. 2,50,000. Nominations must come from authorized bodies (government ministries, state governments, FICCI/CII, past awardees) via the National Awards Portal at awards.gov.in.
About This Scheme
The Vayoshreshtha Samman Creative Art Award celebrates senior citizens who have received national or international recognition for contributions to literature, theatre, cinema, music, dance, painting, sculpture, or photography — and who continue to actively practice their art in old age. Presented by the President of India on October 1st, the award includes a cash prize of Rs. 2,50,000. Nominations must come from authorized bodies (government ministries, state governments, FICCI/CII, past awardees) 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: Creative Art" award is conferred to winners of National or international acclaim for their contribution to literature, theatre, cinema, music, dance, painting, sculpture, photography, etc. and who continue to be active in their field well into their old age. 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
- 15 total awardees selected across all Vayoshreshtha Samman categories each year
💡 Why Startups Should Care
For cultural-tech or arts-focused startups, nominating senior artists for the Vayoshreshtha Samman positions your organization as a patron of India's creative heritage and opens doors to collaborations with cultural institutions and government arts bodies.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must have received national or international recognition for contributions to the arts (literature, theatre, cinema, music, dance, painting, sculpture, photography, etc.)
- Must continue to be active in their art form in old age
- Must have made exemplary contributions to the field with works that carry social messages on contemporary issues
- Art must be widely recognized and have made an outstanding contribution to promoting the art form
- Must be nominated by an authorized agency — self-nominations not accepted
- Open to all Indian individuals regardless of religion, race, sex, caste, or creed
Exclusions
- Self-nominations are not accepted
- Nominee must have received national or international recognition in their field and must continue to be active
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 Creative Art category, documenting the nominee's national/international recognitions and current activity
- Screening Committee shortlists; Selection Committee makes the final selection
- Awards are presented by the President or Prime Minister on 1st October each year
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 maximum amount of the cash award in the institutional category?
The Awardee is given a Cash award of [?] 2,50,000.
Will the to-and-from travelling expenses of the awardee be reimbursed?
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.
Are there any awards for urban local bodies?
Yes, there is an award for the "Best Urban Local Body in providing services and Facilities to Senior Citizens" under the Institutional Category.
While conferring the award, is there any preference/priority given to educational institutions?
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.
Can I nominate myself for this award?
No, Self-nominations for the Awards shall not be considered.
What is the URL of the national awards portal?
National Awards Portal, Ministry of Home Affairs at https://awards.gov.in
Can the application form be filled in malayalam?
The Application should be in Hindi or English language only.
Is bio-data a mandatory document for individual categories of the award?
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