National Award For Senior Citizens (Vayoshreshtha Samman): Lifetime Achievement

National Award for Senior Citizens (Vayoshreshtha Samman): Lifetime Achievement

The “National Award for Senior Citizens (Vayoshreshtha Samman)” is a prestigious recognition given to exceptional senior citizens in India. This award emphasizes the contributions made by individuals aged seventy and above, who have significantly impacted the lives of elderly people, particularly those in need.

Overview of the Scheme

Annually, the Government of India’s Department of Social Justice and Empowerment presents the “National Award for Senior Citizens (Vayoshreshtha Samman).” This initiative honors notable senior citizens and organizations committed to serving the elderly, with a special focus on disadvantaged individuals. The awards are officially presented every year on October 1st, coinciding with the International Day of Older Persons, at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, by the President of India. The “Lifetime Achievement Award” recognizes senior citizens who have made remarkable contributions in the field of aging. A total of 11 awards are distributed, accompanied by a Certificate, a Memento, and a Cash Award.

Awards Categories

The awards are divided into two main 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
  • 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 of the Award

Each awardee receives a Citation, Memento, and a Cash prize of ₹2,50,000.

A total of 15 awards are presented each year.

Award Presentation Ceremony

The award presentation occurs in New Delhi as part of a special ceremony on October 1st. The President or Prime Minister of India presents the awards. The Central Government covers the boarding and lodging costs for the awardees and one accompanying guest. Additionally, travel expenses for the awardees and their companions are reimbursed, including accommodation for one day before and after the ceremony.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for nomination, the following criteria must be met:

• For Nominees:
  • Must be a senior citizen, preferably over seventy years old, with notable contributions to society, especially for the elderly.
  • Demonstrable upliftment and improvement of elderly lives.
  • Outstanding achievements in education, research, or community service.
  • Innovative programs and services in the social welfare sector.
  • Recognized as a role model for exemplary community contributions.
• For Nominating Agencies/Individuals:
  • Ministries or Departments of the Government of India and their autonomous organizations.
  • State Governments or Union Territory Administrations.
  • Previous recipients of Padma Awards, Vayoshreshtha Samman, and other National Awards.
  • Members of the National Council of Senior Citizens (NCSrC).
  • Reputable chambers of commerce such as FICCI, CII, ASSOCHAM, and others.
  • Other entities authorized by the Ministry from time to time.

Note: The awards are inclusive and open to all Indian institutions and individuals, irrespective of religion, race, gender, caste, or creed. Nominations must be recommended in writing by an authorized individual. Self-nominations are not accepted.

Application Process

Online Application

To apply, follow these steps:

• Registration:
  1. Authorized nominators should visit the National Awards Portal.
  2. Click on “Register” at the top right corner of the homepage.
  3. Complete all mandatory fields marked with a red asterisk.
  4. Agree to the terms in the “Declaration” checkboxes, fill in the Captcha Code, and click “Submit.” You will receive your login credentials on your registered mobile number.
• Application:
  1. Visit the National Awards Portal again and click on “Login” at the top right.
  2. Log in using your credentials. Choose “Vayoshreshtha Samman – National Awards for Senior Citizens” from the list of awards, then click “Nominate / Apply Now.”
  3. Complete the online application form and click “Submit.”

Selection of Awardees

A Screening Committee established within the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment will review and shortlist nominations. The final selection of awardees will be made by the Selection Committee.