Correcting The Imbalance in Padma Awards : Lets Celebrate Lakshmi, Through Saraswati

The chart above provides a category-wise breakdown of all Padma awards since their inception in 1954.

The current ruling dispensation has many commendable achievements over the last decade, notably the consistent recognition of unsung heroes, especially in the social work category. These unknown activists, who have dedicated their lives to various causes, would have remained unnoticed if not for the recognition bestowed by these awards.

Regardless of our political affiliations, we must applaud the government for this achievement.

However, the graph reveals a glaring issue: the alarmingly low number of entrepreneurs recognized. The Trade and Industry category has only 221 out of a total of 5,236 awards (approximately 4.2%).

Indeed, we began our post-independence journey as a socialist state (and some would argue we still are), where businessmen were viewed with suspicion, and tax rates until the 1970s were over 90%. But with liberalization, particularly in the 21st century, the immense value created by entrepreneurs cannot be overlooked. Their contributions extend beyond employment provided and taxes paid; they are instrumental in building brand India and their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts have a ripple effect, in turn supporting the social activists who are rightly recognized today.

TV shows like Shark Tank are extremely popular. The number of Unicorns is at an all-time high. The term “Start-Up” has entered policy discussions for the first time, and there is a conscious push by the government to foster entrepreneurship. And yet, successful entrepreneurs continue to be overlooked for Padma Awards.

How can we address this? Clearly, lobbying for awards has not been effective. To rectify this imbalance, we must consider leveraging the online nomination option available to us. We need to identify and nominate entrepreneurs we believe are deserving of this recognition, submitting detailed and comprehensive applications. This approach is a market response rather than a lobbying effort. In other words we use the blessings of Saraswati to make the case for celebrating Lakshmi. As the number of well written applications for deserving entrepreneurs increases, their recognition will surely follow.

I am a proud member of this club, with so many members deserving of such recognition. So, let’s start this year and apply. I earnestly request the club’s leadership to motivate all members to nominate peers whom they consider worthy of such recognition.

We already celebrate entrepreneurship; now, let’s persuade the government to do the same. The time has come to correct the imbalance.

And by the way, the seat of both the Goddesses is Padma.

 

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