The whole issue of bestowing the honour of Bharat Ratna this year has been marred by dirty politics. The very title which seeks to honour people for their excellent service transcending caste or region have been given that colour. This prestigious award has been bestowed on forty three persons so far. What can be more degrading then the fact that politicians are using it as a tool to maintain their vote bank. So the dilemma lies in who to choose. The clash is between freedom fighter, previous politician and sportsmen.
The list had been narrowed down upon Subhash Chandra Bose and Atal Bihari Vajpayee as probable recipients. However, it did not receive any enthusiastic response from Bose’s family who still want a probe on his death or rather his mysterious disappearance. What followed was a long list of suggestions proposed by the political parties. Netaji’s nephew was of the opinion that ho could one confer this prestigious award on a person whose death was still a mystery and a matter of speculation? Besides, there is also a ‘prestige issue’ as his family are of the opinion that considering Rajiv Gandhi has previously been given that award, what is the yardstick for judging a perfect recipient? In simple words, how can Subhash Chandra Bose be given the title after Rajiv Gandhi?
However, after suggestions of conferring the title to Vajpayee or Netaji, other names have cropped up. They include hockey legend Dhyan Chand, revolutionary freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Lala Lajpat Rai, AMU founder Syed Ahmed Khan to name a few. Besides, there are also regional disparities in allocation of awards which has cropped up as an issue. Thus the whole feeling of honouring greatness has been marred with such political colouring.
To end with, if the award has to retain its glory, it should be free from any political colouring. This is the highest civilian award conferred upon people of excellence in our country. It is a matter of pride and honour for us. Playing politics over it not only speak lowly of us but it also creates a negative image of us internationally. It is time to save the process of suggesting a name for this prestigious award from the clutches of the committee formed by the politicians. Restore back the pride attached to giving this award.
