Bhajji Gets Padmashree for 'Boxing'!

Harbhajan Singh won this year's Padmashri honour ahead of Olympics medalist Vijendar and world Cup star Akhil kumar - apparently for the 'Knock Out' punch that he delivered to floor ShreeSanth in full public view in an IPL match. His 'doosari' skills apparently impressed the powers in the government to confer this prestigious award on the maverick spinner. Sadly, the likes of Vijendar, sushil and Akhil don't have the Cricketing 'sledging' skills to be eligible for these awards!

Padma awards and Bravery awards announced on the eve of Republic Day every year invariably invite controversies because of inclusion or exclusion of certain names. Angry reactions have been seen over the omission of one of the Security officials, killed in the midst of terrorist attack on Mumbai, from Ashok chakra awardees. Equally baffling is the absence of Olympic medalists from the Padma awardees list.

In a country where sporting achievements of international standard are very few and far in between, winning an Olympic medal is a rarest of rare occasion. Even though negligible compared to china, Indian athletes winning three medals at Beijing Olympics is a historic milestone not only for Indian sport but for Indian society. Hence, if even after doing the country proud in an event participated by more than 200 countries, they are ignored by the government and society, Vijendar and sushil Kumar have every reason to feel hurt.

Non Cricketing athletes always complain that they are overlooked at the expense of Cricketers. Their claim appears more justified in light of this Padma award, especially given to Bhajji. Bhajji's 'kaarname' can hardly be said to have done India proud. This is as if the governement has legitimised his frequent erratic behaviour. Padmashri is third highest civilian award. It is ironic that it is being awarded to one of the most uncivilized citizens of this country.

Should the sportsmen be included in Padma awards list? The government announces Arjuna awards and Rajiv gandhi Khelratna awards. similarly, the flim personalities are awarded national awards and Phalke Award each year. DnyaanPeeth for Literarurs. Either the awards in these individual categories should be abolished or the categories awarded individually should be excluded from the padma awards.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that Vijendar, Akhil and Co are studying Cricketers' video footage so that they can pick up a trick or two of 'sledging' which will help them figure in next year's Padmashree List!