Question

Which prestigious civilian award was K. N. Raj awarded in 2000?

• A. Bharat Ratna
• B. Padma Bhushan
• C. Padma Vibhushan
• D. Padma Shri

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Padma Vibhushan

K. N. Raj and the Padma Vibhushan Award

• K. N. Raj (Kakkadan Nandanath Raj) was a distinguished Indian economist who made significant contributions to economic policy and planning in India.
• He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, in the year 2000.
• The Padma Vibhushan is conferred for exceptional and distinguished service in any field, including government service.

• Key Contributions of K. N. Raj:

  • He was instrumental in drafting India's first Five-Year Plan (1951-1956).
  • K. N. Raj played a crucial role in shaping the Mahalanobis Model, which formed the basis for India's Second Five-Year Plan.
  • He was a founder and the first director of the Centre for Development Studies (CDS) in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, established in 1971.
  • His work at CDS greatly influenced the understanding and analysis of the 'Kerala Model of Development', characterized by high social development indicators despite lower per capita income.
  • He also served as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Delhi.
  • His research interests included monetary economics, planning models, and agricultural development.

• About Padma Awards:

  • The Padma Awards are one of the highest civilian honors of India, announced annually on Republic Day.
  • They are given in three categories:
    • Padma Vibhushan (for exceptional and distinguished service)
    • Padma Bhushan (for distinguished service of a high order)
    • Padma Shri (for distinguished service in any field)
  • The awards recognize achievements in various fields of activities or disciplines such as art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, and civil service.