‘Ratna’ is losing sheen
Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award given to extraordinary achievers in the country. But since the award is placed so high, it does not mean everyone who receives it is also as significant. This applies to the award too. When the award is conferred on really significant achievers, does it increase its own value on par with the recipients.Nobel Prize, no doubt, is an internationally acclaimed one. But some people who were more renowned than that, rejected it and grew above that. The world didn’t reject leaders like Ambedkar and Gandhiji because they did not get Nobel.
Similarly, the world has conveniently forgotten so many Nobel laureates too! Hence, the value of the prize or award lies in the recipients. Even the best award, when conferred on undeserving people, loses its value. So much so that even the deserving ones may hesitate to accept it. This time around, Bharat Ratna has been conferred on three people. Former President Pranab Mukherjee, RSS senior ideologue late Nanaji Deshmukh, and Assamese Singer late Bhupen Hazarika.
People who thought Siddaganga Swamiji who passed away recently could be considered for the award are very disappointed. There is another reason for disappointment. If the recipients were any better known than Swamiji in terms of service, one could have respected the decision of the centre. But the government set aside Siddaganga Swamiji and conferred the honour on these three. To be the President of India, is not a prerequisite to getting a Bharat Ratna but his works during the time he was in the office should make him a deserving person for the award. Pranab Mukherjee was probably among the worst performing finance ministers of this country.
He always had an inclination towards RSS while he was within the Congress too. He spent most of his time as President visiting Tirupati. He resembles P V Narasimha Rao in his demeanour. That’s why the BJP and RSS like him. More than all these, he was seen participating in the programme organized by the RSS a few months ago. After having enjoyed the fruits of power from one party, one needs immense confidence to get on good terms with another party. Sometimes the tradeoffs are very big. Hence to understand why the RSS recommended him for Bharat Ratna is no puzzle really.
Another person conferred with the award is Nanaji Deshmukh. He was a BJP MP during his life time and a senior RSS ideologue. Government has been claiming that he has served the tribals whereas his achievement is that he took the RSS ideology to the tribals and influenced them with brahminism. BJP has been shedding crocodile tears on the Sikh massacre, alleging this was stage managed by the Congress. But Nanaji Deshmukh had defended this massacre saying this was a normal response to whatever had transpired earlier. Yet, he is Bharat Ratna now.
As for Bhupen Hazarika, there is no doubt that he is a singer with consciousness. He had fought elections on BJP ticket and lost. Hence this honour is being seen with a lot of suspicion. If there was any other party in power, this situation would have been different. When compared to these three, Siddaganga Seer was more deserving of a Bharat Ratna than these three. Sachin having scored a few thousand runs is conferred with the Ratna, but Swamiji’s selfless service in terms of providing for food shelter and education is not being considered. This itself is a mockery of his works by the government. Siddaganga seer didn’t lose much because he was denied Bharat Ratna. If he was conferred with the award, the award itself would have gained a lot of weight. In some ways, it is better that he wasn’t conferred with the award. Else, we’d have been forced to see him on the same line as Sachin Tendulkar and Nanaji Deshmukh.
There was a time when a Bharat Ratna awardee would be seen with great respect by the whole country. Today we don’t feel much about the names now. If Bharat Ratna has to regain its glory, political parties should have no role in selection. The award should not be under the government control. Instead, senior experts and thinkers, achievers should be able to choose the awardees independently. To expect something like this is highly impossible from a government that interferes with the CBI functioning itself. Whatever it may be, today the central government has humiliated a true Lingayat and Sharana, and this is an insult to the entire Karnataka.
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Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
