Padma Bhushan unacceptable: Freedom fighter

Siddha Raj Dadda, veteran freedom fighter and social activist, has rejected the Padma Bhushan award conferred on him, in protest against what he called the government’s ‘‘surrender to the West’’ by toeing the policies of liberalisation and globalisation.

Dadda was honoured with Padma Bhushan (public affairs) on the eve of the Republic Day. He said the process of globalisation has deprived many of their resources and livelihood. ‘‘Many like me fought for the freedom of the country. Now the freedom is being surrendered to the West in the name of globalisation. There is no point in accepting the honour at this stage,’’ he said at a meeting.