Face The Nation: Bharat Ratna for Sachin, howzzat?

CROWNING GLORY: Panelists on Face The Nation debate who is the most deserving for Bharat Ratna.

        

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It is just three weeks to go before the government announces the Bharat Ratna Award.

The Bharat Ratna is awarded for exceptional service towards art, literature or science. It is also given in recognition of outstanding Public Service. State governments can recommend names for the award, however, the final decision rests with the Central government.

Sachin Tendulkar hit his 30th century on Day Three at the Sydney Test. Tendulkar remains unbeaten at a 154. Tendulkar’s is one name that defines Indian talent abroad. Described as the best batsman ever in the history of cricket, Sachin is a commendable name for the Bharat Ratna Award.

CNN-IBN show, Face The Nation posed a question a question: Should Sachin Tendulkar be the next Indian to be awarded the Bharat Ratna?

On the panel to try and answer the question were social activist Madhu Kishwar, former Mumbai captain Shishir Hattangadi and CEO, Harish Bijoor Groups, Harish Bijoor.

Sachin, A True ‘Gem’?

If one were to go through the list of Bharat Ratna awardees then the list comprises C V Raman, Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, Mother Teresa, Zakir Hussain and Satyajit Ray. The Bharat Ratna embodies the spirit of India and is a serious award, could the Award be given to a sportsman, a cricketer for that matter?

Shishir Hattangadi was quick to respond to the question by saying that cricket is a form of art and there should not be any issues in conferring the award to a sportsman.

“If you are talking about the award being serious than let’s not forget that Satyajit Ray who made Pather Panchali also made Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne, which was a lighter film,” said Hattangadi.

What Hattangadi wanted to convey was that rather than looking at the seriousness of the award, a profession should be looked at, Tendulkar’s contribution should be taken into consideration and also him being the ambassador for the game.

“Where are we? We are in Shining India to day so let’s move ahead and take the initiative of bestowing an honour on somebody who really deserves it,” said Hatangadi.

Since the mention of Tendulkar’s name as a recipient for the award has only resulted in a paradigm shift for the government in conferring the Award, the question is why should the Award only be given to those in the government and policy makers or those, why can’t the award be given to those who are beloved of millions of the country?