Should India Stop Awarding Bharat Ratna to Politicians?
India's prestigious Bharat Ratna award, the highest civilian honor, was established in 1954 to recognize individuals who have made a significant contribution to the nation. Traditionally, the focus has been on eminent citizens and notable figures in various fields. However, the recent practice of awarding this honor to politicians has sparked controversies, leading to calls for a reevaluation of award criteria. This essay examines the merit behind the Bharat Ratna award and whether political leaders should continue to be considered for this esteemed honor.
1. Historical Context of the Bharat Ratna Award
The Bharat Ratna, often translated as 'Jewel of India,' was created to commemorate individuals whose efforts have honored the nation and inspired others with their achievements. Until now, the award has primarily been given to prominent scientists, artists, sports personalities, and cultural figures. The criteria for the Bharat Ratna award include unwavering public service, cultural significance, and significant contributions to science, art, or literature.
The inception of the award in 1954 by the government of India marked a golden era of recognizing truly impactful figures who have significantly influenced the nation. Over the years, it has been awarded to some of the most distinguished Indians, including APJ Abdul Kalam, Rabindranath Tagore, and Mother Teresa, recognizing their unparalleled contributions to the country.
2. Recent Awarding Practices and Controversies
With the increasing trend of awarding the Bharat Ratna to political leaders, there has been a shift in perceptions and merit-based recognition. Critics argue that political leaders often receive the award for their contributions to governance and representation rather than for their personal achievements or unique contributions to society.
One of the most controversial cases was the awarding of the Bharat Ratna to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1989, shortly after her murder. The reasoning behind this decision was seen as more political than based on her actual contributions. This set a precedent for broader considerations in awarding this prestigious honor.
3. The Debate: Should Politicians Be Awarded the Bharat Ratna?
The primary argument against awarding the Bharat Ratna to politicians is the coined notion of "playing politics with the Bharat Ratna award." Critics argue that the award should be reserved for individuals who have made significant personal contributions without political or governmental influence. By giving this honor to politicians, the focus shifts from personal achievements to political appointments, undermining the core principles of the award.
A merit-based system ensures that the Bharat Ratna honors individuals for exceptional achievements, thereby promoting integrity and fairness. By awarding the Bharat Ratna to politicians, it may trivialize the recognition and dilute the prestige of the award, leading to doubts about its relevance.
4. Meritocracy and Public Trust in the Bharat Ratna
Maintaining the award's integrity is crucial for public trust and the continued celebration of significant contributions to Indian society. Meritocracy, the principle of rewarding excellence, forms the bedrock of the Bharat Ratna award. When the award is bestowed on politicians exceptionally, the message to aspiring citizens is molded, undermining their efforts to achieve honor through genuine merit and hard work.
Preserving a rigorous and transparent selection process ensures that the award is seen as a true recognition of personal achievements. This approach sustains the critical role of the Bharat Ratna in recognizing outstanding contributions to Indian society, both nationally and globally.
5. Relevance in the Context of Global Recognition
Globally, awards are often seen as a symbol of a country's internal recognition system. The Bharat Ratna, especially, holds great cultural significance in India. It is essential for India to uphold the principles of meritocracy to maintain its position as a nation that values and respects true accomplishments and dedicated service.
By continuing to award the Bharat Ratna to politicians irrespective of their personal achievements, India risks diminishing the award's significance on the global stage. Other nations may question the relevance and fairness of the Bharat Ratna system, which could impact international perception and recognition of Indian achievements.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the debate over awarding the Bharat Ratna to politicians highlights the need for a reevaluation of the award criteria. The Bharat Ratna should remain a prestigious honor for individuals who have made significant, personal contributions to the nation. By streamlining the award process and emphasizing meritocracy, India can ensure that the Bharat Ratna upholds its symbolic value and continues to inspire and recognize genuine achievements.