The Hindu : National : ''I accept awards only from academic institutions''

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jan 28, 2005

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National

''I accept awards only from academic institutions''

By Anita Joshua

NEW DELHI, JAN. 27. Eminent historian Romila Thapar has written to the President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, informing him of her decision declining to accept the Padma Bhushan award conferred on her this year. ``Whereas I am deeply appreciative of the honour that you have done me in making this award, I am at the same time, regretfully, unable to accept it. I decided some years ago that I would only accept awards from academic institutions or those associated with my professional work, and not accept State awards.''

In fact, according to Prof. Thapar, she had declined the Padma Bhushan for the same reason in 1992. Then also, she wrote to the then President citing similar reasons. In her letter to Mr. Kalam, the historian also sought to underline the fact that it was a ``purely personal decision and does not reflect on the other recipients of State awards.''

Prof. Thapar also expressed surprise over her inclusion in the awards list as she had made her position clear to the Human Resource Development Ministry when it had sounded her out about such a move three months ago. Stating that she had explained to the Ministry her reason for declining the award, the historian noted: ``I do feel that the views of individuals should be respected.''

Prof. Thapar is the second Padma awardee this year to decline it; the other being Kanaksen Deka of Assam, who was conferred the Padma Shri for his contribution to journalism. Prof. Thapar was chosen for her contribution to literature and education.

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