4 min learnMumbaiUp to date: Aug 14, 2026 11:11 AM IST
It has been greater than half a century since flamboyant wicketkeeper Farokh Engineer was introduced as one of many recipients of the Padma Shri award, however the former India Take a look at participant continues to be ready to get any tangible proof of the honour.
Engineer was knowledgeable by newspapers in 1973 — when he was nonetheless an energetic India participant — that he was chosen for the fourth-highest civilian award by the Authorities of India. However within the subsequent 53 years, he hasn’t acquired it, he claims.
Engineer, who’s settled in England, stated he remembers the time when it was introduced and everybody congratulated him.
“I used to be enjoying in England on the time when the award was introduced. Our crew supervisor Hemu Adhikari knowledgeable me that I used to be getting the Padma Shri because it was everywhere in the newspapers. However I’ve not acquired any communication or intimation on this regard. I’ve been ready to get my award ever since,” Engineer informed The Indian Categorical.
The Padma Awards web site — padmaawards.gov.in — has Engineer’s title as one of many awardees for 1973 however what occurred subsequently isn’t clear.
“In these days, newspapers had been the one supply of data. I informed Hemu that I haven’t acquired any intimation from the Authorities of India, and he stated they may write to me formally. However I’ve not heard something until date,” Engineer stated.
In accordance with a supply, the BCCI, after listening to in regards to the matter, will write to the federal government on this regard within the coming weeks. “The BCCI will write a letter to the federal government to focus on what Engineer has stated,” the supply stated.
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“I didn’t know whom to put in writing to and simply waited and waited through the years. (I believed) That somebody from the federal government will name and inform me. I had knowledgeable Arun Jaitleyji (former union minister and ex-BCCI vice chairman) earlier than he handed away. Not too long ago, I wrote to Jay Shah (ICC chair). Final month, he stated he’ll assist me. It’s greater than 50 years now. I felt why not strive once more,” Engineer, who performed 46 Assessments for India between 1961 and 1975, stated.
Dr. S Radhakrishnan shakes arms with Farokh Engineer, New Delhi, Dec 1961, flanked by Salim Durani and MAK Pataudi. Each Engineer and Pataudi made their Take a look at debut on this match and ended their careers in the identical 1975 Bombay Take a look at towards the West Indies having performed precisely 46 Assessments every. (Credit score: Farokh Engineer)
He was additionally the first-choice wicketkeeper for the Remainder of the World crew once they confronted England and Australia within the early Seventies.
A question to the Ministry of Dwelling Affairs — which declares the names of the winners — didn’t obtain a response on Thursday.
‘Would love to border it’
Engineer says that the award means quite a bit to him as a result of he feels Indian by and thru.
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“I could also be dwelling in England however from the underside of my coronary heart, I’m an Indian. The award means quite a bit to me and I’d love to border it. I’d like to be invited to the Rashtrapati Bhavan. I’d love my spouse to return with me and obtain that. I’m 88 years outdated now, I hope to obtain it quickly,” he provides.
The Padma Shri is given for distinguished service within the fields of arts, medication, sports activities, training and social service. The awardees get a certificates signed by the President of India, a medallion and a miniature reproduction for ceremonial use. No monetary perks are concerned.
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