if not BHARAT RATNA there is MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT

I first read the news of Tendulkar nominated to Parliament this morning. Not even days, meagerly in matter of hour’s news surfaced that his recommendation was unopposed and his candidature was quickly approved by the President of India. Since this occurred out of the blue, I’m sure many must be stumped at the happening. Though it is exciting news for Tendulkar fans and Indian cricket community, the mind continues to fathom the motto. After all, nothing happens in India without a reason. If we try to connect the dots, it does add up to Tendulkar becoming Member of Parliament.

When Tendulkar’s name was proposed for Bharat Ratna, there is/was too much resistance. I’m not making any judgment here, if Tendulkar deserves the honor. Personally, he is the Jewel of India. And Bharat Ratna is a highest civilian award, awarded for the highest degrees of national service. This service includes artistic, literary and scientific achievements, as well as “recognition of public service of the highest order”. In 2011, Ministry of Home Affairs and Prime Minister of India agreed to change the eligibility criteria to allow the sportspersons to receive the award. (WIKI source). By definition Tendulkar fits Bharat Ratna. Even, amendments were made to qualifying criteria only to make Tendulkar eligible (I’m only speculating). However, for some reasons, Tendulkar wasn’t awarded Bharat Ratna yet. There should be some solid reason that is delaying/preventing Tendulkar to receive the highest honor.

Under these circumstances, when the ruling party nominates him to Parliament, it makes it compelling to connect dots. Tendulkar for one would have never asked for Bharat Ratna. But the thought triggered from somewhere and spread like a wild fire, eventually turned into a commotion among public to award Tendulkar the Bharat Ratna. Voluntarily or involuntarily, Tendulkar was earlier put into tremendous pressure to score his 100^th ton and he succumbed to it. Much in the same lines, the pressure to receive Bharat Ratna must have added too. Though he makes a strong case for the honor, something is preventing Tendulkar from receiving the respect. So, Tendulkar is made Member of Parliament to pacify him and the nation? Or this MP post adds his qualification to achieve Bharat Ratna? Well, this is only my speculation and you are free to make your judgement.

Bottom line: Bharat Ratna or MP, Tendulkar will be remembered as one of the Greatest Cricketers represented the nation. And there is no better award than Tendulkar for India.

Dinesh

Cricket Lover
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PS: Lata Mangeshkar, MF Hussain, Ravi Shankar are some Bharat Ratna awardees. They were MPs too.