Decorating the unsung heroes

Like every year there is so much talk this year too about the highest civilian awards that are to be conferred- the Padma awards . Who should be chosen and why?  Rajiv Gandhi has been given the Bharat Ratna but not Subash Chander Bose who preceded him by many years and played a crucial part in freedom movement.  The BJP now wants to confer it on Atal Behari Vajpayee and rightly so- if Rajiv Gandhi can get it why not him?? It is good to honour our nation builders and heroes. The government of India would have initiated these awards with the same thought. But over the years the selection of awardees has been so partisan that they have become the point of controversy and debate. I think all the people we are talking about have made a mark- no one can take away the contribution and sacrifice of Subash Chander Bose. The programs and policies started by Atal Behari Vajpayee have formed the backbone of many a development programs running even today. His name and contribution to India’s development is etched in history by being the prime minster of India. A Bharat Ratna will not give them more respect and honour than what they have already got by way of their well recognised contributions.

What about our unsung heroes- the best farmer, the best cab driver, the best rickshaw wala, the best labourer, best mason, best carpenter, the best micro entrepreneur- let us keep these awards for people who will never be known for the good work they do and have done, they will never be the prime ministers or presidents of India, their name will never be etched in history. They lead simple lives, dedicated to their professions, do the best work possible and die unsung. We need to bring these people into limelight, make them feel important, their jobs irreplaceable and their work phenomenal. This will motivate people in general to strive to become best in their professions, deliver the best services, reach their potential and take our economy to the next level. They are the real ratnas –the jewels of India. They form the backbone of our society and economy and keeping them motivated to deliver their best will improve their and everyones life.

Indians by nature are very hard working and intelligent. If this hard work is given the right direction and vigour, we can make the intelligent minds work overtime to do the best, find solutions to problems even with limited resources and maximise output with minimum input. What else does India want at this stage of its development??  We call ourselves a young country wherein 65% of our population is 35 years or younger, the so called demographic dividend. Let us think afresh how we can make this work force more productive and motivated. Let us de politicise these awards, make them truly civilian, give them to the common man and make him feel special. Decorating the already decorated is an old tradition followed the world over, let us change this trend. Look at the recently announced Nobel peace prize jointly shared by two people, both of them have enough awards in their names. I am sure they have done wonderful work, but what about so many others who have also done a lot but have not caught the fancy of any award team.

Let us focus on our unsung heroes because they are the real heroes.