53 Years After Announcement, Former India Cricketer Still Awaits His Padma Shri Award

Farokh Engineer is hopeful of receiving the award and the BCCI is reportedly set to write to the government regarding to highlight the matter.

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Farokh Engineer hopes to receive the award soon. (AFP Photo)

Farokh Engineer was in his mid-thirties and still playing international cricket for India when he learnt that the government had announced that he would be bestowed with the Padma Shri, the country’s fourth-highest civilian honour.

It has been 53 years since that announcement, and Engineer claims he is yet to receive the award.

Recalling the time, Engineer, a former India wicketkeeper-batter who played 46 Tests and five ODIs between 1961 and 1975, said he was informed about the Padma Shri honour by the team manager, but there has been no official communication from the government to date.

“I was playing in England at the time when the award was announced. Our team manager Hemu Adhikari informed me that I was getting the Padma Shri as it was all over the newspapers. But I have not received any communication or intimation in this regard. I have been waiting to get my award ever since,” Engineer told The Indian Express.

“In those days, newspapers were the only source of information. I told Hemu that I haven’t received any intimation from the Government of India, and he said they will write to me officially. But I have not heard anything till date,” he added.

Engineer said he had approached the late Arun Jaitley and, more recently, current ICC chairman Jay Shah, who has assured him of help.

“I didn’t know whom to write to and just waited and waited over the years. (I thought) That someone from the government will call and inform me. I had informed Arun Jaitleyji (former union minister and ex-BCCI vice president) before he passed away. Recently, I wrote to Jay Shah (ICC chair). Last month, he said he will help me. It’s more than 50 years now. I felt why not try again,” Engineer said.

Engineer, who has settled in England, said the award means a lot to him and that he would love to be invited to the Rashtrapati Bhavan to receive it.

“I am 88 years old now, I hope to receive it soon,” he said.

The BCCI has reportedly taken note of Engineer’s claim and is expected to write to the government in the coming days.

What Is A Padma Shri Award?

The Padma Shri award is annually given by the Government as a recognition to those who have provided distinguished services in arts, education, industry, literature, science, sports, medicine, and social service. The recipient are handed a sanad (certificate) signed by the President of India and a medal. There’s no cash prize or allowance or concession involved.

About the Author

Feroz Khan

Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience …Read More

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Original source: https://www.news18.com/cricket/