Criticising the recent furore over Padma Bhushan, ace Indian cueist Pankaj Advani on Monday said one must let the performance do the talking and not hanker after such government awards.
“I would never go out and protest, you have to earn such awards and do not hanker for it. I’m also waiting for the decision,” Advani, a 10-time world snooker and billiards title winner, told reporters on the sidelines of the National Billiards & Snooker Championships in Kolkata.
“We cannot demand recognition, we cannot demand certain things from the government or public. We are here to do our job. We love playing and representing our country and doing our best. If you let your performance do the talking -- in any sport -- you will get it one day or other.”
Confirming that he also has been nominated for the third highest civilian award, Advani said: “Just as you’re asking I would like to say that my application is also gone and if the government thinks I don’t deserve it then so be it. I’m sure the government has certain processes in place.”
The 29-year-old further said that the Padma awards has not lost its sheen just because of the controversy.
“I feel that the Padma awards or any civilian award is very relevant and has a lot of credibility. Just because few people who make a hue and cry in public do not mean that the award has become less important,” Advani said.
Asked about the outburst of Olympic bronze medalist duo of Saina Nehwal and Vijender Singh, Advani said: “I can’t sit here and make a comment what they did was right or wrong. I know that I would not do such a thing.
“I’m not anyone to judge them by their action. They thought it was right to go out and do it in public and have a media outburst. But that’s not my style.
“Also, we have to remember that every year hundred of awards are given so over a period of six years about 600 are given. There are going to be cases where people will feel left out.”
