India is witnessing a recent spur in eminent personalities renouncing the awards presented to them. These awards are mostly presented to recognize and honor their talents and achievements. The rise in returning awards of high value has dragged Indian society into a debate of tolerance and intolerance. Prestigious writers, singers, actors, academics and scientists returning awards are very common in India.
This has led to a debate whether renouncing awards is truly a proper form of protest or is just a way to defame and degrade your country. Several people have put forward their views on renouncing awards, which has now grown to become a popular form of protest for eminent personalities.
Why are famous personalities considering renouncing awards?
Eminent citizens of the country have renounced their awards in protests against lynching, murders and other brutal cases or political scenarios. Renouncing awards reflects a weaker side of the government to the common people, who are influenced by the ideals they follow. It showcases the government’s inability to reach the extreme ends of
. The intellectuals and eminent people in the country have the right to respond to communal violence or intolerance in society. They feel justified in renouncing their awards as a protest when they think that the government is not doing enough for the communities.
Arguments against renouncing awards
While many scholars have renounced their awards, many others condemn their acts. People have pointed out that awards are given out to celebrities for their work and its recognition by the people. The sense of belonging to a nation should not depend on the award. Constructive protest and participation in building the ideal nation seem to be a better alternative to renouncing awards altogether. Renouncing awards proves an allegorical point in the venture while collective working towards building a better nation is a more practical method.
Thus, returning awards is a form of protesting that eminent personalities have resorted to and it is their personal choice. However, there are other ways of protest for sure. Also, the government needs to act collectively to create a harmonious environment.