RAISE THE DEMAND FOR BHARAT RATNA FOR SUNIL GAVASKAR

RAISE THE DEMAND FOR BHARAT RATNA FOR SUNIL GAVASKAR 

It is high time to award SUNIL GAVASKAR the BHARAT RATNA. His epic achievements with the bat, as author, sports journalist, cricket administrator, television commentator, upright character, philanthropy and unbounded patriotism indubitably qualify him for this highest accolade that the nation can confer. Gavaskar truly restored the pride of a fledgling India post independence with his redoubtable performances on the field and exemplary representation of India's honour off it.

It is sad to see men not getting their due honours during their lifetime and being honoured posthumously with the nation's highest award. This should not be. A national jewel must be honoured in due time. So must this gem of an Indian who has carried India's fortunes on the cricket field in a manner that transformed the game in this country and inspired a generation to excel at it. Tendulkar, David, Laxman and a host of others were thus inspired to take up the baton from him and carry India's hopes into the next millenium. Let us unitedly raise the demand for Bharat Ratna for Sunil Gavaskar. Jai Hind!

Written by Sugata Bose