This refers to the editorial "Bharat Ratna absurdities" (August 12). The public discourse over who is best suited for the country's highest civilian honour is unwarranted. Before the government could come up with an informed choice, the names of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Subhash Chandra Bose, Kanshi Ram among others doing the rounds is surprising. This exposes the narrow political and partisan ends.
Though the ruling dispensation is vested with powers, it is bereft of a core panel to adjudicate on the award. One wonders whether the government at the Centre can arrive at a consensus. The selection of awardees is a prerogative of the government and should be kept confidential till the last minute to prevent horse-trading by vested interests. It is high time we stopped the practice of honouring people posthumously since it holds little value. The Bharat Ratna is a prestigious award, let us avoid playing politics over it.
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Though the ruling dispensation is vested with powers, it is bereft of a core panel to adjudicate on the award. One wonders whether the government at the Centre can arrive at a consensus. The selection of awardees is a prerogative of the government and should be kept confidential till the last minute to prevent horse-trading by vested interests. It is high time we stopped the practice of honouring people posthumously since it holds little value. The Bharat Ratna is a prestigious award, let us avoid playing politics over it.
R Prabhu Raj Chennai
Letters can be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to:
The Editor, Business Standard
Nehru House, 4 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
New Delhi 110 002
Fax: (011) 23720201
E-mail: letters@bsmail.in
All letters must have a postal address and telephone number