Dehradun: Noted historian from Uttarakhand Shekhar Pathak today announced his decision to return Padma Shri in protest against what he called an "atmosphere of growing intolerance" in the country.
He is the second public intellectual from Uttarakhand to return his award after noted writer and Nayantara Sehgal, niece of India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
Announcing the decision at the ongoing 4th Nainital Film Festival which got began in the tourist town today, Mr Pathak said his move was in "protest against the atmosphere of growing intolerance in the country and the neglect of the Himalayan region".
He said being the son of the Himalayas returning the award was also his way of registering his protest against the "loot" of its resources.
A historian, writer and academician from Uttarakhand, Mr Pathak was awarded the Padma Shri in 2007.
Also known for his concern for the environment, he founded "People's Association for Himalaya Area Research (PAHAR), a Nainital-based a non-profit organization for research on Himalayan people, established in 1983. He also edits an annual journal published by it.
In 2007, he took up a three-year project to study the Himalayan people along with Magsaysay Award winner, Chandi Prasad Bhatt, traversing the Himalayas, from Leh to Arunachal.
Dozens of public intellectuals, including writers, filmmakers, historians and scientists, have returned honours in the past weeks protesting what they call "growing intolerance".
He is the second public intellectual from Uttarakhand to return his award after noted writer and Nayantara Sehgal, niece of India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
Announcing the decision at the ongoing 4th Nainital Film Festival which got began in the tourist town today, Mr Pathak said his move was in "protest against the atmosphere of growing intolerance in the country and the neglect of the Himalayan region".
A historian, writer and academician from Uttarakhand, Mr Pathak was awarded the Padma Shri in 2007.
Advertisement
In 2007, he took up a three-year project to study the Himalayan people along with Magsaysay Award winner, Chandi Prasad Bhatt, traversing the Himalayas, from Leh to Arunachal.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
To Avoid Awards Being Returned, House Panel Suggests Taking Recipient's Consent The Game Awards 2022: Death Stranding 2, Diablo 4, Hades II, Armored Core 6, More Announced The Game Awards 2021 Winners: The Full List Who Is Jasveen Sangha, "Ketamine Queen" Charged With Matthew Perry's Death "Don't Expect Anything From Me": Kolkata Hospital's New Principal Loses Cool Nurse Raped, Killed On Way Home, Body Found 9 Days Later In UP What Is The Dinosaur-Killing Asteroid's Origin? Scientists Have An Answer AP ICET Counselling 2024 Revised Schedule Out, Check Details Manipuri Girl's 'Jana Gana Mana' Rendition Goes Viral, Wins Praise Online Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.