Every year, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, confers the prestigious “National Award for Senior Citizens (Vayoshreshtha Samman)” to recognize and honor outstanding senior citizens and institutions that have rendered distinguished service to the elderly, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. One of the categories under this award is “Sports and Adventure,” which specifically celebrates senior citizens who have achieved international acclaim in sports and adventure and continue to contribute to these fields. The awards are presented on 1st October at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi by the President or Prime Minister of India, and include a Citation, Memento, and a cash prize.
Benefits
- Award Package:
Awardees in the Sports and Adventure category receive:- A Citation and Memento.
- A cash award of ₹2,50,000.
- Additional Support:
- Boarding and lodging expenses for the awardee and one companion are covered by the Central Government.
- To-and-fro travel expenses and accommodation for one day prior to and after the ceremony are reimbursed.
- TA/DA is provided at rates equivalent to that of a Joint Secretary to the Government of India.
Presentation of Award
- Ceremony Details:
The awards are presented on 1st October each year on the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. - Presentation:
The award is presented by the President or Prime Minister of India. - Travel and Accommodation:
Awardees and one companion receive support for travel, boarding, lodging, and daily allowances as per government norms.
Eligibility
For Nominees (Individual Category – Sports and Adventure)
- Contribution in Sports:
The nominee must be a senior citizen who has achieved international recognition or acclaim in the field of sports and adventure. - Continued Contribution:
The nominee should continue to contribute actively to the field of sports and adventure, inspiring others and promoting healthy aging. - Sub-Categories:
Separate awards are designated for male and female sports personalities under the Sports and Adventure category.
Application Process
Online
Registration
- Visit the National Awards Portal:
Authorized agencies or individuals should visit the National Awards Portal. - Register:
- Click “Register” on the top right of the homepage.
- Complete the registration form by filling in all mandatory fields (marked with a red asterisk) and check the Declaration boxes.
- Enter the Captcha code and click “Submit.”
- Login credentials will be sent to your registered mobile number.
Application
- Login:
- Click “Login” on the portal homepage and sign in using your credentials.
- Nominate / Apply:
- From the list of awards, select “Vayoshreshtha Samman – National Awards for Senior Citizens,” then click “Nominate / Apply Now.”
- Complete the Application Form:
- Fill in all mandatory fields in the online application form and click “Submit.”
Selection Process
- Screening Committee:
A Screening Committee, under the Additional Secretary/Joint Secretary, scrutinizes and shortlists nominations. - Final Selection:
The final selection is made by a Selection Committee chaired by the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Calendar of Activities
- Issue of Invitation for Nominations: 1st November
- Last Date of Receipt of Nominations: 31st January
- Shortlisting by Screening Committee: 28th February
- Final Selection by the Jury: 30th April
- Approval by the Minister: 31st May
- Vetting by IB: 15th August
- Announcement of Awards: 1st September
- Presentation of Awards: 1st October
Documents Required
- Personal and Identification Documents:
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport-size Photograph
- Bio-data
- Proof of Age
- Proof of Address
- Educational and Professional Documents:
- Proof of Educational Qualification (e.g., passing certificate or mark sheet)
- Proof of Professional Experience
- Achievements and Recognition:
- Details of work done in the last three years in the field of sports and adventure
- Details of awards or honours received (with attached citations)
- Justification for the award nomination
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the objectives of this scheme?
To recognize senior citizens who have excelled in sports and adventure, and to honor their continued contributions to the field. - When are these awards conferred?
The awards are conferred annually on 1st October. - Who confers these awards?
They are presented by the President of India or the Prime Minister of India. - What is the address of Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi?
Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi (please refer to official government sources for the full address). - How many categories are there in this award?
There are 13 categories spanning both institutional and individual segments. - What is the maximum amount of the cash award in the institutional category?
In this category, the cash award is ₹2,50,000. - Will the to-and-from travelling expenses of the awardee be reimbursed?
Yes, travel, boarding, and lodging expenses for the awardee and one companion are reimbursed. - Are there any awards for urban local bodies?
Yes, several categories include awards for urban local bodies. - While conferring the award, is any preference given to educational institutions?
No, the awards focus solely on contributions to the welfare of senior citizens. - Can I nominate myself for this award?
No, self-nominations are not permitted. - What is the URL of the national awards portal?
Please refer to the official Government of India website for the National Awards Portal URL. - Can the application form be filled in Malayalam?
The application form must be completed in the official language(s) prescribed by the Ministry. - Where can I find the PDF of the scheme guidelines?
The PDF of the guidelines is available on the National Awards Portal and associated government websites. - Who can become a nominee for this award?
Nominees include senior citizens with international recognition in sports and adventure. - What are the selection criteria for the award?
Selection is based on achievements in sports and adventure, community contributions, and continued involvement in promoting healthy aging and sports among senior citizens.