Eminent space scientist G Madhavan Nair on Thursday disapproved tghe move by scientists and writers to return their awards alleging “growing intolerance” in the country, and dubbed their action as a mere “show”.
The former chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said in a large country like India, “a few incidents can happen” for which the government of the day “cannot” be held responsible.
He said awards are mostly given to people for their life-time achievements and “you cannot belittle that (by returning them). The individuals should be proud that the nation has honoured them and that (award) stays with them until they leave this world.”
Meanwhile, Home Minister Rajnath Singh termed returning of awards as a political conspiracy.