National Award For Senior Citizens (Vayoshreshtha Samman): Lifetime Achievement
₹2.5 lakh + citation for senior citizens 70+ with lifetime contribution to society
The Vayoshreshtha Samman Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes senior citizens aged 70 and above who have made significant, lasting contributions to society — particularly in ageing, social welfare, education, or research. Presented by the President of India every October 1st, the award includes a cash prize of Rs. 2,50,000. Nominations must be submitted by an authorized agency (government bodies, past national awardees, chambers of commerce) via awards.gov.in.
About This Scheme
The Vayoshreshtha Samman Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes senior citizens aged 70 and above who have made significant, lasting contributions to society — particularly in ageing, social welfare, education, or research. Presented by the President of India every October 1st, the award includes a cash prize of Rs. 2,50,000. Nominations must be submitted by an authorized agency (government bodies, past national awardees, chambers of commerce) via 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 "Lifetime Achievement Award" is conferred to senior citizens, preferably above seventy years, who have worked in the field of ageing and made significant contributions in the field. 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 a ceremony in 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
If your startup supports elderly welfare, geriatric care, or age-tech, nominating respected community elders through this award builds your organization's relationship with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment — a useful alliance for navigating elder care policy.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be 70 years of age or above
- Must have outstanding achievements in uplifting the lives of the elderly
- Demonstrated excellence in education, research, publication, or social welfare programs
- Has provided pioneering or innovative programs and services in the social welfare sector
- Recognized as a role model for exemplary community contribution
- 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 be 70 years of age or above
- Must be nominated by an authorized nominating agency
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 in the mandatory fields for the Lifetime Achievement category, documenting the nominee's contributions to elderly welfare and broader community
- Screening Committee shortlists; Selection Committee chaired by the Minister 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 (must be 70 years or above)
- 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