Caught in the political cross-currents about bestowing highest civilian award to Indian, the Congress-led government might well decide to play it safe and hold over the award. If it does, this will be the 7th consecutive year that no Bharat Ratna has been handed out.
This is the opportune time, perhaps to wonder, if not just this award, but all state awards, including awards from any other entity, should be scrapped. Awards, whether given by the state or any other entity, are meant to honor individuals who are or have been noteworthy in their particular fields. To commemorate human achievement, and set up inspirational role models for future generations, is indeed a laudable enterprise, but is the state - any state, in particular the Indian state - is there any appropriate authority or organization to bestow such honors? And if at all such honors have to be bestowed on any person, without any second thought I would say and plead ever member in Goanet to say, BHARAT RATNA must go to some one like Prannoy Roy, Barkha Dutt, Rajdeep Sardessai, etc. in turn every year without any break. For they are the one who are keeping all of us LIVE, glued to TV and or Internet. Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
