"PADMAthon"

I was hibernating all this while and for a change it wasn't lethargy. It was just lack of something pertinent to write about. Although I started this blog as a vent to personal feelings and emotions, after a few posts I resolved to kinda make this medium a mouthpiece for my perception of the relevant on-goings around me that involve more than one human entity. This could be as inconsequential as voicing my thoughts on a movie or being a voice opining on the socio-political scenario around me. I am not opposed to the idea of my blog being a personal account of my activities, my state of mind etc and there shall continue to be some such sporadic posts.
What made me wield my pen again, was the announcement of the Padma Awards (and hence d title as I am embarking on a blogathon on these) and the flak these announcements have drawn from several prominent quarters. The most significant one being, sportsmen like Vijendra KUmar and Sushil Kumar being omitted from this list of national honor, whereas fellow sportsmen like Abhinav Bindra being decorated with a "Padma Bushan". Even if the government seemingly does rate (although I strongly object), the Gold medal feat higher over a Bronze medal, these sportsmen certainly deserved the Padmashri if not the Padma Bhushan. Their omittance reflects complete travesty of justice and selective ignorance or considering the unprecedented success of "Ghajini" (some sort of selective amnesia...may b Aamir Khan will be explain better) Although. the lack of this decoration, not undermine their feat (as some may argue), a national recognition will definitely boost their morale and also make aspiring sportsmen realize that besides cricket, boxing, wrestling, hockey et al. also fall under the realm of "sports" and most importantly recognition and honor. The lack of these names on the awardees list has further intensified the cynicism related to these awards.
My next problem is with the numerous print and electronic media going ballistic over Aishwarya Rai Bachchan being awarded the Padmashri and attributing this award to be a product of BSP alliance. (Nah ts not bahujan samajwadi party..lest Mayawati draw daggers at poor me!!!). But its the Bachchan-Samajwadi party Alliance (Let me not namesdrop any further). Let me clarify right at the onset of my next few comments, that I am no aishwarya rai fan and hence my support towards her padma award is not a case of insane admiration.
Whether people accept it or not (which I perceive is to a large extent is by-product of some veiled personal agendas of most of her contemporaries)she is the only person affiliated to the Indian film Industry to be recognized on a global platform. Again, this is not to seek global recognition to Indian cinema. But the fact remains, we take immense pride in hailing Laxmi Mittal's achievements or devoting the front pages of leading national dailies in hailing the achievements of that "American Citizen" who is heading the "Bank Bailout" project to salvage 'Recession struck American economy" just because he has some Indian roots (am sure 90% of the Indian population who not have even heard his name)..Then why create a ruckus in hailing her acheivements???? My recent visit to the Coca-Cola museum in Atlanta, showed that she is ranked amongst the top-three famous celebrities in the world endorsing the Cola brand. Now if a "Bailout' example can be pride, this certainly can be. For she at least is a resident Indian representing India. Her visits to Cannes have always evoked criticsm, for some people going to the extent of commenting on the minuscule crease on her dress totally skirting the cause of her visit. The very same people hold "Armani' in high pride but Aishwarya rai sporting an "Armani" is an eye-sore!!! Slumdog Millionaire, a film made by a foreigner about India is pride, but an Indian who has such global recognition is not!Having mentioned Slumdog Millionaire, its so distressing to see a certain section of elitists slandering a film that's great depiction of reality and hope with some brilliant Indian entertainers (Anil kapoor, Irfan Khan and ARR) as part of this ensemble.
Longines for example uses her face to promote their watch brand at international platforms such as Wimbledon! Some may (including me) may call it her persona (read physical attributes) to be the reason for it), but for all of us looking for anything "Indian" to glorify and celebrate, I think she is very much more "Indian" than so many others who have hogged more front page limelight and less flak than she has.
What has turned out to be an "Aishwarya Rai" PR exercise or more so a blog written by her and in fear of the on coming onslaughts to all my above comments, I would not wanna harp on it anymore.
But interestingly, knowing about the political clout surrounding the Padma awards, I think the state should make it a more refined process by electing a panel of distinguished people from all walks of life and make a more credible and holistic list of recipients of this prestigious national honor.