I don't think the media or anybody shud be making an issue out of courtesies and manners, these two being a matter of personal choice and, more importantly, upbringing. Just as the son of a poor man cannot be blamed for a poor inheritance, the son of an idiot cannot be blamed for bad manners.
So, I would have desisited from commenting on the dignitaries that didn't salute the national flag or those who remained seated while recipients of awards were standing. But the condions on that day and the entire procedure dictate otherwise.
Let's ignore that these were gallantry awards for war heroes, or that grief torn war widows are the subject of this discussion. I have always said that the soldier on the field is only doing his duty, not a favor to anybody, and hence will not demand any special concessions for these fallen 'workmen'. (Though Mr Amitabh Bacchhan reciting his dad's Madhushala is also just doing what he is paid for, yet gets a standing ovation.)
But here we have a person called by the highest office in the nation to receive a token of appreciation, standing, shivering in a winter drizzle. A person who has lost everything that mattered to her. And a few feet from her we have these statesmen sitting in plush sofas with lackeys holding umbrellas over their well covered heads.
Would it be asking for too much if one more umbrella could be arranged to shelter the recipient? Even the lackey would not be required. I am sure no body from any of the three services would mind escorting these ppl holding an umbrella. In the forces, following an outdated code of chivalry, we as it is never allow a lady to walk up a stage unescorted, even if it is to receive a pkt of chocolates for winning a party game. This occasion certainly does rate slightly higher.
As for President Obama, I would love to see him trying such a stunt at home. Let him present such awards, and I dare him to sit down after handing over the award before the recipient has been seated. Another term or not, he would be condemned to ignominy for the remainder of american history.
If protocol demands the treatment meted out to the recipients and for it to be seen by the worldwide TV audience, I suggest leave these presentations to the armed forces. Let the Republic Day be reserved for those smiling brave children atop the bedecked elephants, and leave these insignificant, non voting, bereaved, maimed or killed workmen to their own organisation. An organisation that can maintain protocol without infringing upon chivalry, courtesies and basic human decency.
So, I would have desisited from commenting on the dignitaries that didn't salute the national flag or those who remained seated while recipients of awards were standing. But the condions on that day and the entire procedure dictate otherwise.
Let's ignore that these were gallantry awards for war heroes, or that grief torn war widows are the subject of this discussion. I have always said that the soldier on the field is only doing his duty, not a favor to anybody, and hence will not demand any special concessions for these fallen 'workmen'. (Though Mr Amitabh Bacchhan reciting his dad's Madhushala is also just doing what he is paid for, yet gets a standing ovation.)
But here we have a person called by the highest office in the nation to receive a token of appreciation, standing, shivering in a winter drizzle. A person who has lost everything that mattered to her. And a few feet from her we have these statesmen sitting in plush sofas with lackeys holding umbrellas over their well covered heads.
Would it be asking for too much if one more umbrella could be arranged to shelter the recipient? Even the lackey would not be required. I am sure no body from any of the three services would mind escorting these ppl holding an umbrella. In the forces, following an outdated code of chivalry, we as it is never allow a lady to walk up a stage unescorted, even if it is to receive a pkt of chocolates for winning a party game. This occasion certainly does rate slightly higher.
As for President Obama, I would love to see him trying such a stunt at home. Let him present such awards, and I dare him to sit down after handing over the award before the recipient has been seated. Another term or not, he would be condemned to ignominy for the remainder of american history.
If protocol demands the treatment meted out to the recipients and for it to be seen by the worldwide TV audience, I suggest leave these presentations to the armed forces. Let the Republic Day be reserved for those smiling brave children atop the bedecked elephants, and leave these insignificant, non voting, bereaved, maimed or killed workmen to their own organisation. An organisation that can maintain protocol without infringing upon chivalry, courtesies and basic human decency.
