Where is the respect?By: Anthony Joseph | 22-Apr-2009Reply | ForwardI think the statement by Mr. Gill is a sad reflection of what a ministries job is. Sports ministries primary responsibility is to ensure that sports as a medium whether its the school, college, national or international level is developed. They should have great relationship with the sportsmen of this country and by that I mean not someone who is above the sportsman. The very fact that you give an award is to show the country's appreciation for the glory the individual has brought to the country. It is not that the sportsman has begged for it but the country feels his past achievements deserves an award. So there is no moral obligation on the part of the sportsman to personally come and accept the award. While it is good to have the sportsman come to receive the award, threatning a sportsman that he or she will be stripped of an award if they dont turn up is pathetic. Build relationships based on mutual respect and the ministry should take the lead and for sure the sportsman will follow.
skipping padma awardBy: v.seshadri | 22-Apr-2009Reply | ForwardIt is a sham of an award,purely money driven.It is doled out to those with right connection, irresptive of their contribution.Since a few deserving people have also got these awards in the past, it still carries a semblance of dignity.However, this is fast eroding, as can be seen by this incident
Sports Minister's takes a tough stanceBy: Amrita | 22-Apr-2009Reply | ForwardThree cheers for the sports Minister for taking a tough though necessary stand. These are coveted awards which sportspersons would deem a honour and they should not be treated with scant regard as these two athletes have done. Excellent decision. May we have more forthright Ministers who take worthwhile stands.
There is a serious credibility deficit with this whole awards thingBy: HS | 22-Apr-2009Reply | ForwardAny award conferred by the Indian government today carries ZERO credibility. As long as the likes of Akshay Kumar keep receiving Padmas, I don't think anyone cares a hoot. I mean, what has the guy done in life? He has an IQ of 80 and stars in nonsensical movies for illiterates. Ditto Ms Rai Bachchan. I won't be surprised if an awards-for-cash scam emerges in the near future. Given the venality and corruption within the government, anything is possible.As for Mr. Gill's outburst - government is brutal and egotistical, and it's good to see its ego punctured from time to time. Whatever Dhoni's and Bhajji's reasons for doing what they did, I enjoyed it.
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