It refers to justified criticism of Indian cricketers Harbhajan Singh and Mahender Singh Dhoni for failing to turn up to receive Padma awards from President of India at Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi. These functions of great national importance are notified much earlier, and the awardees must ensure their presence as mark of their respect towards national honours and also towards President of India. Rule should be to cancel announced awards for all those who do not turn up to receive these awards, without seeking exemption from being present at the award-ceremony. Exemption from presence at award-ceremonies may be granted rarely and only on genuine and practical aspects.
Subhash Chandra Agrawal
Delhi