New Delhi:
Noted actor Kamal Haasan was presented the coveted Padma Bhushan award by President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapathi Bhawan on March 31. An emotional Kamal Haasan writes about the event.
"I was once again standing among stalwarts. At the President's residence (Rashtrapathi Bhawan). I thought since I've been there, and done it once, I would not be as moved as I was the first time. I was in for a surprise."
"I felt even more emotional this time. Age, I thought would have brought about the required pragmatism or even skepticism. After all politicians are also involved in this selection process but I felt myself moved to tears. I fully believed in my country's intellectual bounty as I saw stalwarts of various fields rubbing shoulders with me. Champions who were individually moving the country in their respective fields in the right direction forward, as the national anthem played I once again forgot all the corruption, horse trading, rapes and other misdemeanours of some of my fellow countrymen. The good parts stood out, the faces of the naive and honest people who loved this country ran like a movie montage in my mind. I was glad to see the faces of my siblings and parents face in that montage."
"I looked around me proud to be among champions absolutely humbled by all the talent and achievement they stood for. I once again pledged my commitment to the country and hoped I wouldn't have to leave it in anger in future. I found myself to be positive. I am proud to be Indian. It has all to do with Indians and nothing to do with Indian state of politics and politicians."
"Some of my heroes were there at Rashtrapathi Bhawan and many more faceless heroes with whom I am yet to acquaint myself with are out there doing their duty to the country. Most unsung and some getting a mere recognition or none at all. I mentally saluted those true Indians as my national anthem came to an end. If someone had read this piece to me before my visit to the Rashtrapathi Bhawan I would have rated the writing as mushy. But being there is another experience which makes you sort of sentimental. I guess that was an is the purpose of these ceremonies."
The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee presented one Padma Vibhushan, twelve Padma Bhushan and fifty-three Padma Shri awards on March 31, 2014 at a Civil Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Among the dignitaries present on the occasion were the Vice President, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Union Minister for Home Affairs.
