Continuing on the theme of academic honours to Indian politicians, specifically chosen for the power they wield in the galleries of Indian government, Cabinet and Indian ministeries, Mrs Sonia Gandhi has now been chosen to receive a rare Belgian honor. It is called "Order of Leopold" and is the second highest civilian honour of Belgium.
Now who are we to comment on academic honours being bestowed on Indians known for their distinguished academic achievements but when the honours are bestowed only to powerful Indian politicians, and that too for their " constructive nationalism ", it does set some alarm bells ringing.
Is there a shortage of Indian academicians or social workers that only political and powerful Indians are chosen by foreign countries for bestowing high honours and awards and distinctions ? Yes, In India, the mixture of honours, academics, economics and politics, is the new way to get entry to the Indian decision makers.
And the Indian media is busy congratulating itself on the super power status of India and the Mittals who take over Arcelor, and forget the sheer naked reality of being the only country that has succeeded in the dubious achievement of 150,000 farmer suicides in 15 years. Yes Super Power India, Asian Tiger, Foe of the Chinese, Incredible India, alright. Let even one of these politicians get an award from the farmers of India, then we shall have no objection, to powerful Indian politicians like Smt Sonia Gandhi and ManMohan Singh, receiving rare academic awards and honours from European countries, for their so called contribution, to " constructive nationalism " and selective reshaping of the economic liberalization agenda of India.