Oct
4
Imagine a man convicted of possessing dangerous firearms being given an award for promoting Mahatma Gandhi’s values of peace? Called the India Splendor Award, this award was conferred on Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt by the Mglobal Trust, a ‘corporate social responsibility’ initiative of the Indian telecom company Spice. This company is headed by Dr. B.K. Modi.
This award has apparently been awarded for Sanjay Dutt’s role in ‘Lage Raho Munnabhai‘, a film promoting the values of Mahatma Gandhi and was given away on the late leader’s birthday on October 2, 2007. Ironical?
At the function to give away the award, Sanjay Dutt has reported to have said, “Gandhism is relevant today and will always remain relevant. I believe in non-violence, peace and let people live.” Ironical, for Sanjay Dutt was found guilty of his crime during one of worst cases of communal rioting in India.
Dr. Modi has also reported to have said: “Mahatma Gandhi was not only a leader, he was also a global visionary. Today’s event is a celebration of our history, values and remembering a great soul known to the world across as the Mahatma.” Perhaps Dr. Modi should have allowed this statement to say something to him before he decided on Sanjay Dutt as a recipient of this award.
What is your take on this? Would Mahatma Gandhi have approved of the Dutt’s firearms?
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6 Responses to “Irony: Sanjay Dutt conferred award on Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday”
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Hi,
Frankly I think people are taking this Munna-bhai thing too far.
And conferring an award is probably the most bizarre thing I’ve heard in a long time.
I think, there are two ways of looking at it.
1. Like any other actor, he did his job so need not be credited.
2. His role in Munna Bhai, Influenced or atleast helped to bring fading charm of Great leaders back.
2nd forgives him for the kind of impact and social value through the film.
Any thoughts ?
A couple of months after the movie was released, one headline in the newspapers was “Gandhigiri gives way to Goondagiri” . Therfore films are more of a passing fad and do not really have lasting impact. In that context, one really wonders about the merit irrespective of the actor. Common sense says that Dutt should be punished for his wrong actions as no one is above the law and not doing that can set a wrong prcedent. He should be equally praised for doing anything right after admitting his mistakes and expressing regrets.
Sometimes it make me laugh when i see peoples cheap thinking.
cheap politicians made this award so cheap with their doings. These cheap politicians has recommended their own family members and their party leaders name for this award. More then 14 names were recomended by different parties for this award. How cheap.
Here criminals are awarded and honest are punished.
And Awards….they are now having no price no values cause few years ago awards were awarded but nowadays awards are gifted.
If you heard recently about India’s Biggest Award “Bharat Ratan”
Shame on them.
I agree with Hiren.
Everybody makes mistakes. Gandhi also stole from his father. Sanjay might have made mistakes in the past. But his current actions indicate that he is a changed man now, hopeflly. Personally I would like to give him another chance. Though conferring an award may be going a bit too far.
Also we have to keep in mind that he just held some firearms not used them. He has confessed to his charges and apologised for that. And since then he has already suffered quite a bit. He has been to jail twice already.
If he wants to change for good, I am all for it. If Munnabhai can impress even 0.1% of people, I am all for it.
Hi,
What an irony? Somebody who has been found guilty for carrying arms, gets an award in the name of Mahatma Gandhi! Terrible News!!!