If you can dream it and do it, you can have it

There is a common notion that only the elite are recognized for the works they do and people from humble backgrounds can toil to change their entire life and of those around them, but never have their names uttered. However, as we usher into a new year, and hopefully, newer ideas, we appreciate the diversity of individuals who make a positive impact in our society at the grassroots level.

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Padma awards are the highest honour that can be bestowed upon a civilian. The reason why people eagerly await the list of Padma awardees lies in the fact that despite their social background and economic status, the person who is deserving of the honour receives it.

This year, President Ram Nath Kovind conferred the highest civilian honours to the recipients in New Delhi.

The Padma awards (Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, and Padma Shri) are the highest honours after the Bharat Ratna. They recognise the contributions of people in society. Be it education, social work, literature, sport, art, science or medicine- anyone deserving of the honour receives one.

This year, social media and news channels were all buzzing with the names of the awardees. The diverse list made it abundantly clear that these awards and honours aren't reserved for the elite.

From Tulasi Gowda, the environmentalist from Karnataka who walked barefoot, and transgender folk artist Manjamma Jogati to Harekala Hajabba, an orange seller and school builder, the awards honoured the spirit of India.

Many influential personalities took to their social media to congratulate the winners. Industrialist Anand Mahindra wrote that after seeing the list of the recipients, their contributions, and achievements, he felt undeserving of the award when compared to the ones whose contributions and works made seminal changes to society.

Since its inception, the awards have been conferred to a diverse set of individuals. They may come from any part of the country and belong to any creed or religion. Those who have truly transformed people's lives for the better are being appreciated.

Times have changed, and this year's ceremony was proof that the citizens of India are keener and happier to see the earnest efforts from the most humble people and backgrounds be acknowledged at a national level.

Not only has the diversity and recognition of services made a positive impact, but people's active participation in making these awards a livelier and more approachable affair is equally encouraging for all those who dare to dream.