National Award For Senior Citizens (vayoshreshtha Samman): Iconic Mother

National Award for Senior Citizens (Vayoshreshtha Samman): Iconic Mother

The National Award for Senior Citizens, known as Vayoshreshtha Samman, is a prestigious recognition given to exceptional senior citizens and organizations that provide exemplary services to the elderly. This award, aimed particularly at supporting indigent seniors, is presented annually on October 1st by the Honorable President of India.

About the Scheme

Every year, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment under the Government of India honors distinguished senior citizens and organizations through the “National Award for Senior Citizens (Vayoshreshtha Samman)”. This accolade is particularly focused on acknowledging the contributions made towards the welfare of elderly individuals, especially those in need. The awards ceremony takes place on October 1st at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, coinciding with the International Day of Older Persons. One of the notable awards within this scheme is the “Iconic Mother Award,” which recognizes women senior citizens who have persevered through significant challenges to raise high-achieving children.

Awards Breakdown

A total of 11 awards are distributed, featuring a mix of individual and institutional recognitions, along with a Certificate, Memento, and a cash prize. The awards are categorized as follows:

Institutional Categories

• Best Institution for Research in the Field of Ageing
• Best Institution for Providing Services and Awareness to Senior Citizens
• Best District Panchayat for Senior Citizen Services
• Best Urban Local Body for Senior Citizen Support
• Best State for Implementing the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007
• Best Private Sector Organization Promoting Senior Citizens’ Welfare
• Best Public Sector Organization Promoting Senior Citizens’ Welfare

Individual Categories

• Centenarian
• Iconic Mother
• Lifetime Achievement
• Creative Art
• Sports and Adventure (one for Male and one for Female)
• Courage & Bravery (one for Male and one for Female)

Benefits of the Award

Each awardee receives a Citation, Memento, and a cash prize of ₹2,50,000. The total number of awards presented is 15.

Award Presentation Ceremony

The awards are presented in a special ceremony held in New Delhi, marking the International Day of Older Persons every year on October 1st. The President of India or the Prime Minister of India officiates the ceremony. The Central Government covers the boarding and lodging expenses for the awardees and one accompanying person. Travel expenses along with accommodation for a day prior to and post the ceremony are also arranged and reimbursed by the Central Government. The travel allowances for the awardees and their companions are equivalent to that of a Joint Secretary to the Government of India.

Eligibility Criteria

For the Nominee

• The nominee must be a woman.
• She should be at least 60 years old.
• She must have raised her children despite numerous challenges, contributing to their success.
• Demonstrated strong values and ethics in child-rearing under difficult circumstances.
• Her children should have made significant societal contributions due to her dedication and vision.
• She should have advocated for the protection and empowerment of the girl child.
• Her contributions should be widely acknowledged by society.

For Nominating Agencies/Individuals

• Ministries or Departments of the Government of India and their autonomous bodies.
• State Governments or Union Territory Administrations.
• Past recipients of Padma Awards, Vayoshreshtha Samman, and other National Awards in both individual and institutional categories.
• Members of the National Council of Senior Citizens (NCSrC).
• Esteemed chambers such as FICCI, CII, ASSOCHAM, and others.
• Any other entities authorized by the Ministry as required.

Note: The awards are available for all Indian institutions, organizations, and individuals without discrimination based on religion, race, gender, caste, or creed. Nominations must be made in writing by an authorized individual. Self-nominations are not accepted.

Application Process

How to Apply Online

To participate in the nomination process, follow the steps below:

Registration

1. Authorized agencies or individuals must visit the National Awards Portal.
2. Click “Register” at the top right of the homepage.
3. Complete all mandatory fields (marked with a red asterisk) on the Registration Page.
4. Agree to the “Declaration” checkboxes, fill in the Captcha Code, and click “Submit”. You will receive your login credentials on your registered mobile number.

Application

1. Return to the National Awards Portal and click “Login” at the top right.
2. Log in with your credentials. From the list of awards, choose “Vayoshreshtha Samman – National Awards for Senior Citizens” and click “Nominate / Apply Now”.
3. Fill in all mandatory fields in the online application form, and click “Submit”.

Selection of Awardees

A Screening Committee will be formed within the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to evaluate the nominations comprehensively.