With a record number of scientists, writers, scholars, historians and film-makers deciding to return their awards to protest against religious intolerance in our nation, we sat back and wondered, perhaps there are others who deserve these awards and would not return them if they ever made the cut?
Just recently, respected scientist PM Bhargava returned his Padma Bhushan. So here it is, a list of people we think should have actually got the Padma Bhushan, and would have most certainly not returned it.
Kamal R. Khan
Kamal R. Khan or the charismatic KRK is known for his ear-splitting appearance on season 3 of Bigg Boss and his Oscar-worthy performance in his self-written, self-produced, self-starred and self-glorifying film entitled "Deshdrohi". Additionally, KRK is also known for being a Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube celebrity. While on social media he often dispenses sage-like wisdom, on YouTube he reviews films with great wit and analysis. In fact, to a person of his calibre, we should forget the Padma Bhushan, and straight away hand the Bharat Ratna.
Baba Sehgal
With a lyrical range commencing at "Aloo ka paratha kha lo" and concluding at "Usmein thodi malaai dalo", Baba Sehgal is the true master of the pen. Before there was Honey Singh, the one and true Baba had all ready set the world a-blaze with his beat and flow. He is also quite popular on Twitter, periodically putting up couplets that will put the likes of Kabir and Rahim to shame. An example is the recent "controversy is vivaad, farting is paad, enjoy karo subah ki chai ka swaad..." Oh man. This man needs his Padma Bhushan now.
#karvachauth mein woman ke paas aa jaati hai ek power, o hellow bhaisaab aaj toh le lo shower..
— Baba Sehgal (@OnlyBabaSehgal) October 30, 2015Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insaan
Widely known as the Messenger of God, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insaan has more to him than the fact that his name alone represents a large proportion of India’s religious diversity. The leader of the Dera Sacha Sauda, he recently rose to prominence after stellar performances in his films Messenger of God (MSG) and MSG-2. The philanthropist, spiritual-leader, actor, social reformer, singer, director, everything, etc. probably already has a Padma Bhushan with the amount of good he has done.
Chetan Bhagat
Responsible for empowering an entire generation of teenagers and young adults to read, Chetan Bhagat is a revolutionist. He has penned numerous screenpla…erm, novels, that have invariably captured the spirit of urban Indian society. Bhagat is also a subject of great debate and study amongst teenagers, intellectuals, grammar checkers, and psychiatrists. He is a true patriot, nationalist, and someone who should be given the Padma Bhushan without batting an eyelid.
Justice Markandey Katju
Mr. Katju is an honorable justice, the former Chairman of the Press Council of India, and has served as a judge with the Supreme Court of India. He is also a social media personality, known particular for his "longer opinions" on Facebook and for his "shorter opinions" on Twitter. Basically, he has a lot of opinions. He is also very active when it comes to replying to almost everyone who comments on his posts. Justice Katju, in addition to serving the nation wholeheartedly, should be venerated with a Padma Bhushan for making his opinions. Maybe, when he receives the award, he will have an opinion on that too.
Main Image source (clockwise from left):
1. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh: MSG-2 The Messenger/Facebook
2. Chetan Bhagat: Chetan Bhagat/Facebook
3. Kamal R. Khan: http://www.kamaalrkhan.com/gallery.php
4. Baba Sehgal: Baba Sehgal/Facebook
5. Markandey Katju: Markandey Katju/Facebook