Sardar Patel National Unity Award: Government likely to name winner this year

Sardar Patel National Unity Award: Administration probable to name winner this year While the award was instituted in September 2019, and over one hundred nominations are learnt to have been received each year, sources noted none of them were considered "deserving" so far.

Key points

• 3 min read New Delhi Aug 30, 2026 05: 41 AM IST.
• While nominations were invited from June 1 to July 31 this year, over 150 names are learnt to have been received so far.
• The nominations for the Padma Awards are additionally managed by the MHA and unveiled on the eve of Republic Day each year.
• The MHA did not respond to queries emailed by The Indian Express in this regard.
• Sources remarked the award will be given by the President alongside the Padma Awards next year.

In practice, the medal will have a portrait of Patel on one side and the national emblem on the other. (Source: PIB).

Seven years after it was instituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the first Sardar Patel National Unity Award is due to be confirmed on October 31 this year, The Indian Express has learnt.

As sources indicate, a series of deliberations have been held to announce the first tranche of awards this year, coinciding with the conclusion of the two-year celebrations to mark Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's 150th birth anniversary which began on October 31, 2024, nevertheless. Govt names new civilian award for national unity after Sardar Patel.

Notably, the MHA did not respond to queries emailed by The Indian Express in this regard.

According to those aware of the developments, it will be considered equivalent to the Padma Vibhushan, and there may be two or three recipients this time.

While nominations were invited from June 1 to July 31 this year, over 150 names are learnt to have been received so far. Ahead of opening up the portal for public entries, the MHA had additionally sent letters to all state chief secretaries and Union secretaries, asking them to send nominations.

Sources remarked a committee is due to be notified by the MHA for going through the nominations.

Once the committee makes its selection, the candidates would be subjected to verification by the investigating agencies to ensure "that their character/ antecedents are above board, " remarked sources.

According to the 2019 notification announcing the award, the candidate "should have made outstanding efforts and notable contribution to promote and further the cause of national unity and integrity in a manner that may serve as an inspiration to others, and reinforce the value of a strong and united India".

According to The notification, "the award committee would be constituted by the Prime Minister, and would include the Cabinet Secretary, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Secretary to the President, Home Secretary, as members, and three-four eminent persons selected by the Prime Minister".

In practice, the award is due to comprise a medal and a citation, but no monetary grant or cash award would be attached to it. As sources indicate, it would not be conferred posthumously, except in particularly rare and highly deserving cases. The medal will be in the form of a lotus leaf, created of gold and silver, with Patel's portrait embossed on one side and the national emblem on the other.

Meanwhile, the nominations for the Padma Awards are additionally managed by the MHA and unveiled on the eve of Republic Day each year.

In short, sardar Patel National Unity Award: Government likely to name winner this year is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.