The highest awards of the country by and large are conferred on politicians more posthumously then when alive Therefore the citizens are of the firm opinions that these awards are by the politicians for the politicians The citizens are not enamoured by such honours and those who are dead it means nothing. Every political party justifies the wrong and neglect by the party previously in In keeping with the sentiment of injustice Vajpayee. And Sardar Patel Bose too late and vwere bestowed with this honour unable to rejoice or appreciate Their families receive it and then stock it away in the archives of family museums BJP from roof tops proclaims that Gandhis showered on themselves on 3 members namely Nehru ,Indira Ghandhi, Rajeev Gandhi No apolitical Indian laments or resents it.Neither does it enhances their popularity or raises their stature as a result of this honour. Nobody doubts their credibility, sacrifices and contribution to the Nation The jealousy and envy stems primarily from those who want to denigrate in an attempt to obliterate their memory from historical records by misinterpretation and assuming pseudo patriotism. Perhaps it was best avoided,but politician have strange urge to perpetuate their immortality and indispensability long after they are gone This year BJP intentions and motives may not be so honest as it appears in order to obliquely influence coming elections Pranab Mukherjee has been on politics, held different positions and missed the bus in occupying PM post He has never won any election but received favoured treatment by Congress.It appears as political compulsion because he hails from Bengal where BJP is at logger heads trying to make a dent by their presence on the state It also is an indirect message of no partisan loyalty bonus. The other Bupem is posthumous awardee In the state there is turbulence due to Citizens legislation and possibly to douse the dissenting political fires of simmering discontent The awardee Gita from Orissa had refused stating that it is wrongly timed The truth is that she is related closely to The BJD which is does not see eye to eye with BJP It could embarrass and sour family relations .she has been in the field too long and it may too little too late or may be not just appropriate Refusal is an embarrassment to the Govt , Normally the recipient is sounded in advance but in this case she might have refused later The reasons are not convincing This award is tinged with hues of political colour of loyalty influence There should be opened public debate, not done secretly without exposing the basis and merit It is far better to avoid controversy by appointing an impartial body to recommend or abolish it ,confer not posthumously and include all citizens in various fields not predominantly politics where individual contributions is assumed and not inferred directly It is not surprising that it is spread over three states close to general election and 3 wards are too many at a time diluting the prestige of high awards Nelson Lopes Chinchinim Sent from my iPhone
