Padmashree is the fourth highest civilian award in India, after the Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan and
Padmabhushan. This award is distributed by the President of India on the eve of the
Republic Day. Padmashree is awarded to recognize exceptional and distinguished service done to the nation in any field (including service rendered by the Government servants.) On the award's obverse, the words 'Padma' (lotus) and 'Shree' are written in
Hindi above and below the lotus flower. The geometrical pattern on either side is in polished bronze. All decoration is in white gold.
