Awards often have negative connotations. But, it should not be so.

Appreciation, motivation, compliments are all non-materialistic gifts and are mentioned in all Vedas. As long as they are satvik and not tamasik or rajasik and do not increase ego, awards are okay.

In Ashta Lakshmi, the eight forms of Lakshmi, Vijaya Lakshmi represents our achievements and awards other than the material income that we earn.

Satvik is when others appreciate you; rajasik is when you ask for it, which can even be for a consideration or mutual benefit and tamasik is when you buy appreciation.

Awards recognize excellence, but they are also a public acknowledgement of the years of hard work and dedication.

Awards can be bestowed by the Government, professional associations, organizations etc. But, for doctors, awards given by the patient community are the most valuable.

Each award should build up humility and encourage one to work harder and achieve more than what has been accomplished. Awards also motivate others to strive for excellence, which benefits us all.