As we all know there are genuine International and National Awards. Any of these awards are given to the most deserving personality in recognition of his or her immense sacrifices and spectacular contributions towards humanity. The two most prominent International Awards are Nobel Prize and Pulitzer Prize.
By the will of Alfred Bernhard (1833-1896), a Swedish who was an industrialist, a philanthropist and who also invented dynamite founded the Nobel Prize. The Nobel Prize is the annual International Award given to those whose work in physics, chemistry, medicine, literature and furtherance of world’s peace is thought of most benefit to humanity. Last year, a Pakistani girl Malala (18) became the youngest ever recipient of Nobel Prize for her advocacy for girls education. In her Muslim orthodox community in Pakistan where Taliban prevents girls from going to Schools, Malala vocally advocated for girl child education. Her life was attempted and she was grievously injured in the head by extremists. Miraculously she survived when she was flown to London for treatment, and today she relentlessly fights for the rights of girls in conservative societies under the patronage of UN.
The Pulitzer Prize was established by Joseph Pulitzer (1847-1911) who was an American journalist and publisher born in Hungary. He emigrated to US in 1864 and joined US army. Discharged the following year and became a reporter. Eventually he acquired the New York World paper and became very successful. In his will, this annual Award was founded and is given for outstanding work in the fields of literature, drama, history, music and journalism. Some Indian writers also received this Award including Salman Rushdie for his Satanic Verses.
Our country, India, has some National Awards like Bharat Ratna and Padma Sri Awards given annually by Government of India. The second Padma Sri award used to be given to prominent citizens recommended by a State government too.
The above awards, international or national, are genuine and given to people of eminence for their outstanding achievements in their respective fields. In respect of Nobel Prize awards, Mother Teresa and Malala were deservedly awarded. In the case of those from Nagaland who received Padma Sri awards, late. Mrs. Zaputuou Angami did deserve the recognition for her dedication to orphans. These awards were not purchased but awarded free of cost.
A little over a decade back when I was in power, I came across few offers from never known award giving establishments. The offers were in written correspondences that I was already selected to be awarded this award and that award in recognition of my achievements. Embarrassing and indeed disgusting to even think about awards when a man like me has not left a foot print in contribution in the field of public welfare. And yet on further query, it had to be purchased.
Any genuine award from anywhere is earned with noticeable sacrifices. Any award which is not free of cost (in the sense of spending money for the citation) is not genuine but fake and it is purchased. Nobel Prize or Pulitzer Prize are exclusive, unique and hard to earn, and it goes to those who have the extraordinary talents and perseverance.
Whereas, purchasable awards are in plenty, after all it is business, and can be had by anyone without any damn contribution towards humanity if one has the will to waste money for it. The purchased awards are for show and for cheap popularity and it goes to those who are crazy after short time recognitions. Such awards are just laughable in the sight of those who can discern. Whereas, fake and bogus awards can appear laudable and amazing to those who are in sycophantic realm.
Z. Lohe
