At 88, former India cricketer Farokh Engineer is still waiting for an honour he says was announced for him more than five decades ago. Farokh Engineer claims that although the government announced his Padma Shri in 1973, he has never officially received the award or any communication regarding it.
Farokh Engineer was in his mid-thirties and still playing international cricket for India when he reportedly learnt about the honour. The former wicketkeeper-batter played 46 Tests and five ODIs for India between 1961 and 1975.
Recalling the incident, Farokh Engineer said he was playing in England when the news appeared in newspapers. India team manager Hemu Adhikari informed him that the government had announced the Padma Shri for him. However, Farokh Engineer says no official letter or communication ever reached him.
He explained that newspapers were the main source of information at the time. After being told about the award, he expected the government to contact him officially but that communication never came.
Over the years, Farokh Engineer said he did not know whom to approach and simply continued waiting. He eventually raised the matter with the late Arun Jaitley, who was a former Union minister and former BCCI vice-president.
More recently, Farokh Engineer contacted Jay Shah, the current ICC chairman. According to Farokh Engineer, Jay Shah assured him last month that he would look into the matter and help him get the issue resolved. After waiting for more than 50 years, Farokh Engineer decided to make another attempt to receive the honour.
Now settled in England, Farokh Engineer said that the Padma Shri still holds great importance for him. He hopes that the matter will finally be resolved and that he will get an opportunity to travel to Rashtrapati Bhavan and formally receive the award.
Farokh Engineer, who is now 88, said that he hopes the long wait will finally come to an end soon. The BCCI has reportedly taken note of Farokh Engineer’s claim and is expected to approach the government about the matter in the coming days.
The Padma Shri is awarded every year by the Government of India to recognise distinguished contributions in fields including arts, education, industry, literature, science, sports, medicine and social service. Recipients receive a sanad or certificate signed by the President of India along with a medal. The award does not include any cash prize, allowance or concession.
Let’s hope Farokh Engineer’s five decade old wait ends soon.
