“It requires a lot of courage to
become an educator as it is not for everybody. If a parent is unworthy,
children are spoiled; if a doctor neglects his duty, the patient dies; if an
engineer performs poorly, the infrastructure collapses; and if an educator
makes a mistake, an entire generation is ruined.” ― Professor M.S. Rao, Author
of ‘Vision 2030: One Million Global Leaders.’
Padma Awards are very prestigious
awards given by government of India for contribution to various areas every
year. They are awarded for exceptional and distinguished service. They were
instituted in 1954 to be awarded to citizens of India in recognition of their
distinguished contribution in various spheres of activity including the Arts,
Education, Industry, Literature, Science, Sports, Medicine, Social Service and Public
Affairs. They have also been awarded to some distinguished individuals who were
not citizens of India but contributed in various ways to India. The
recommendations for Padma Awards are received from the State Governments/Union
Territory Administrations, Central Ministries/Departments, Institutions of
Excellence, etc. which are considered by an Awards Committee. On the basis of
the recommendations of the Awards Committee, and after approval of the Home
Minister, Prime Minister and President, the Padma Awards are announced on the eve
of the Republic Day. They are conferred by the President at a function in
Rashtrapati Bhawan in March/April every year. Most Indians consider it an honor
to receive these prestigious awards.
Padma Shri is the fourth highest
civilian award in the Republic of India, after the Bharat Ratna, the Padma
Vibhushan and the Padma Bhushan. However, there are controversies behind these
awards. There is often a criticism that some deserving citizens were denied due
to political reasons. There are allegations that the eminent people who are
close to the government or in the good books of the politicians in the power are
bagging these awards.
It is deplorable that some celebrities
demand these awards publicly. They use social media to brand themselves and
kick up controversies rather than adding value to their domains. It appears
that they work hard only for awards, not for their satisfaction and for
becoming role models for others. It is unfortunate that most of them
overestimate about themselves and underestimate others.
Are
Padma Awards a Farce?
There is a feeling that those who are
good at networking and lobbying with money power get these awards. The people
who have strong connections in the Central Government and the ruling party
receive these awards. Critics comment that the selection process is completed
flawed since there is limited time available to shortlist the nominations. They feel that it is a stage-managed drama to
conduct the process of selection, and finally the pre-decided list is placed
before the committee for endorsement. There is involvement of vote bank
politics and regional issues. To overcome the challenges, maintain transparency
in the selection process to ensure sanctity to these awards. Remember, it is
not who is right or wrong but what is right or wrong matters in the
selection process.
The awards must be given to
meritorious people with credentials. The background verification must be done
before giving away awards. People with criminal background should not be given
these awards to avoid mockery and ensure sanctity.
Padma
Awards for Educators and Intellectuals
It is unfortunate that the eminent
people from academia are not getting their share of awards as they are shy to
market themselves. On the other hand, film stars, cricketers and politicians
market themselves to get noticed quickly to bag these awards. It is ironical that cinema and cricket
receive more attention and coverage than academia in India.
Government of India must consider
giving more awards to educators who build nation by shaping students as healthy
citizens and leaders. The intellectuals and educators are not selling
themselves currently. In a country like India, they are admired with great
respect but not given adequate representation in allocation of awards. It is
time Indian government considered allocating more awards to educators and
intellectuals.
Work
for Satisfaction, not for Recognition
Padma Awards are only recognition to
your distinguished service. Your satisfaction that you truly added value to
your area and the people around you is more important than the so-called
recognition. Do your duty sincerely without expecting any returns. You will be
recognized and earn such awards. Above all, remember to live in the hearts of
the people, not in the minds of the people. Padma Awards can take you to the
minds of the people temporarily whereas when you truly add value to your domain
and society, you live in the hearts of the people permanently. When you look at
late A.P.J Abdul Kalam, he lives in the hearts of the people. When you look at
Mahatma Gandhi he did not receive Nobel Prize but five of his followers ― Martin
Luther King Jr, Nelson Mandela, Dalai Lama, Barack Obama, and Aung San Sui Kyi received
Nobel Prizes. It is obvious that Mahatma Gandhi was above Nobel Prize.
To conclude, deliver your best to your
area without expecting any returns. Add value to your area and make a
difference to the world. Be above Padma Awards. You will be remembered beyond
your lifetime as a legend.
“Don't worry when you are not
recognized, but strive to be worthy of recognition.” ― Abraham Lincoln
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Life is great!
Professor M.S.Rao, India
Founder of MSR
Leadership Consultants India
Recipient
of 10th International Prestigious Sardar Patel Award―2015
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