Thiruvananthapuram Committee Urges President to Reconsider Padma Bhushan Award for SNDP Yogam Leader
The Save Education Campaign Committee (SUCC), based in Thiruvananthapuram, has formally approached the President of India with a petition urging a reconsideration of the decision to confer the Padma Bhushan award on Vellappally Natesan, the general secretary of SNDP Yogam. This appeal highlights concerns over the integrity and sanctity of one of India's highest civilian honours.
Allegations of Mockery and Criminal Cases
In their detailed petition, SUCC pointed out that Natesan has publicly ridiculed and mocked the Padma awards on various platforms, thereby casting doubt on the credibility of the honour itself. "Conferring a national honour on a person who publicly insulted it undermines the dignity of the award and the esteem of those who previously received it," the committee stated. They emphasized that Padma awards are symbols of national gratitude, awarded to individuals who exemplify integrity, service, and excellence. Any compromise on these values, they argued, risks eroding public trust in the institution.
More seriously, SUCC noted that Natesan is an accused in approximately 127 criminal cases, many of which involve alleged large-scale financial irregularities in microfinance schemes designed for below-poverty-line beneficiaries under a central government programme. In at least 21 of these cases, proceedings have advanced to the stage of filing chargesheets, indicating substantial legal scrutiny. The petition also raised concerns about perceptions that criminal proceedings against him have been unduly delayed due to political influence over the state administration, which damages public confidence in the rule of law.
Broader Implications and Past Rejections
SUCC chairperson R S Sasikumar explained that the request was made in the interest of justice, constitutional morality, and the sanctity of national honours. The committee highlighted that the University of Calicut had previously rejected a proposal to confer an honorary doctorate on Natesan two years ago, after considering the allegations against him. "Against this background, the decision to honour him with a Padma award appears deeply inappropriate and distressing to many conscientious citizens," SUCC said.
They further argued that awarding the Padma Bhushan to someone facing such grave and multiple allegations would be perceived as an injustice to countless honest citizens and to those who have earned national honours through lives of unquestionable service. This action also sends a troubling message to the poor and marginalized communities who may have suffered due to the very actions under investigation, according to the petition.
The appeal underscores the need to uphold the values associated with Padma awards and to ensure that such honours are bestowed only on individuals whose conduct aligns with the highest standards of public life.
