Toronto: Nav Bhatia, the official ‘Superfan’ of the current NBA champions Toronto Raptors and Canada’s renowned Indo-Canadian face, has turned down the $50,000 Global Indian Award a day after accepting it.
The Canada-India Foundation had conferred the award on Bhatia at its virtual gala here on Sunday.
Accepting the award, Bhatia said in his pre-recorded speech that he was greatly honoured to join the company of previous awardees – Ratan Tata, Deepak Chopra, Narayana Murthy, and Montek Singh Ahluwalia.
As each past honouree donated the award money to charities. Bhatia too pledged it to his `Daughters of India Initiative’ to build school washrooms for rural girls in Punjab and Rajasthan.
But a day later, Bhatia refused to accept the award, ostensibly in support of the farmers’ agitation in India.
Bhatia said, “On Sunday evening I watched my pre-recorded acceptance speech and the show for the first time like many. The past 24 hours were supposed to be a celebration for all those little girls in Rajasthan but it has been far from that. I was made privy at this
point to a lot of new information…I even visited the CIF (Canada India Foundation) offices to understand their exact stance on many issues.”
“I came to Canada in 1984 after the Sikh genocide. Many Sikhs lost their lives. My own father was almost dragged out of a car and a burning tire was almost placed over his head. He was moments from death. He was lucky. We were lucky. Many were not as lucky,” he wrote. “Canada is my haven. It is my heaven on earth.”
He added, “I stay away from politics to be honest. But I am a proud Sikh. And that is first and foremost. As a result, my heart cannot accept this award at this time. Not while my brothers and sisters across India are in pain. I stand with all of the farmers of India. I pray for a safe and peaceful resolve.”
The Canada-India Foundation has honored an outstanding Indian face each year with its Global Indian Award since 2009.
Bhatia said if the Canada India Foundation “would like to continue with their donation then great, if not then I will personally donate the $50,000 needed to begin phase IV,” of his project in Alwar.
It was reported that The World Sikh Organization sent a message to Nav Bhatia: “@superfan_nav, as someone we have recognized in the past as an advocate that raises awareness on the 1984 Sikh Genocide, we ask you decline the @ Cif_Official1 award.
“The CIF have been steadfast Sikh Genocide deniers and have a history of being Indian state violence apologists. https://t.co/sFiAc7O79s pic.twitter.com/JzDA2sdXFm” – WSO (@WorldSikhOrg) December 27, 2020 Local media reported that CIF said: “CIF regrets the decision and circumstances under which Nav Bhatia chose to return the Global Indian of the World Award,” stated the CIF.
The true spirit of this Award is recognizing and celebrating the role, success, and contribution of an outstanding global Indian every year. To be drawn to India’s current politics or to pronounce on historical debates is not in the spirit of the Award.”