Renaming Biju Patnaik Sports Award: A Superficial Move with No Real Benefits
The recent decision by the newly-formed BJP government in Odisha to rename the Biju Patnaik Sports Award to the Odisha Rajya Krida Samman has sparked considerable debate. Instituted in 2001-2002, the Biju Patnaik Sports Award honored the legacy of the former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik, who made significant contributions to the state’s overall growth and the promotion of sports. The renaming of this prestigious award is seen by many as an unnecessary move that detracts from the historical significance and impact of Biju Patnaik’s contributions.
Legacy Undermined
Biju Patnaik was not just a political figure; he was an institution whose influence extended beyond Odisha. His efforts in promoting sports and youth development have been widely recognized, and the Biju Patnaik Sports Award was a fitting tribute to his legacy. Renaming the award risks undermining the historical context and the deep respect associated with his name. It also appears to be an act of political opportunism, a sentiment echoed by former minister and senior BJD leader Arun Sahoo. He rightly pointed out that such a change could hurt the sentiments of the people of Odisha who hold Biju Patnaik in high esteem.
No Significant Improvement
One of the major criticisms of this renaming is that it does not bring any significant improvement to the award itself. The cash rewards and the number of categories remain largely unchanged. While the award now includes categories like lifetime achievement, excellence in coaching, and contributions to sports journalism, these were already part of the enhancements made by the previous BJD government. Simply changing the name without enhancing the award’s value or scope does not contribute to the development of sports in the state.
Missed Opportunity for Enhancement
Instead of renaming the award, the BJP government could have focused on adding more value to it. Increasing the prize money, expanding the categories, or providing additional support to sports infrastructure and athletes would have been more impactful. Such measures would honor the legacy of Biju Patnaik while genuinely contributing to the growth of sports in Odisha. The renaming, in contrast, seems like a superficial change that does little to address the real needs of the sports community.
Political Ramifications
This renaming sets a concerning precedent. It raises questions about the motivations behind altering the names of established awards and schemes. If the intention is to erase the contributions of previous administrations, it could lead to a cycle of renaming and rebranding that distracts from substantive governance. Programs like Mo Bus, BSKY, LAccMI, and Aahaar, which are next in line for renaming, should be evaluated on their merits and their impact on the people of Odisha, rather than being subjected to politically motivated changes.
The decision to rename the Biju Patnaik Sports Award to Odisha Rajya Krida Samman does not yield any significant benefits. It undermines the legacy of a revered leader without offering any substantial improvements to the award itself. The BJP government would do well to focus on enhancing the value of existing awards and schemes rather than engaging in unnecessary rebranding. By doing so, they can truly contribute to the development of sports and honor the contributions of leaders like Biju Patnaik in a meaningful way.
