National Civil Services Day is celebrated every year on April 21 to honor the dedication of civil servants in India. The day was first observed in 2006 and marks the anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's historic speech in 1947, where he described civil servants as the 'Steel Frame of India.' This day serves as a reminder of the vital role civil servants play in governance and national development. It is also an occasion for civil servants to renew their commitment to public service. The Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration is presented on this day to recognize outstanding contributions by civil servants, with the award including a medal, scroll, and a cash prize of ₹1 lakh (approximately $1,200 USD). The legacy of civil services in India can be traced back to Charles Cornwallis, who is often referred to as the 'Father of Indian Civil Services' for his significant reforms during the British colonial period.