30 January,2010 08:00 AM IST | | Hemal Ashar and Urvashi Seth
US-based hotelier Sant Singh Chatwal's inclusion in this year's Padma Bhushan awardees list has sparked controversy in the ranks.
Journalists Pritish Nandy and Vir Sanghavi have filed RTI applications on how Chatwal's name figured in the list. Those outraged cite some CBI cases against Chatwal.
Yet, that anti-Chatwal sentiment finds little resonance with the hospitality industry and proves that the flamboyant Sant has his supporters amid the detractors.
Former world billiards champion Padma Bhushan Michael Ferreira said, "From what I have read, he had been involved in some scams, but you cannot hang a man on allegations.
The government conducts background checks and there is a committee that does its homework before deciding these awards."
Yet, S P Jain, chairman, The Pride group of hotels, feels there are others who deserved it more. Jain explains, "There are many renowned hoteliers who should have been honoured. He has hardly contributed to the Indian industry."
Similarly, Ravi Ghai Kwality head honcho, clarifies, "I don't know Chatwal personally. Yet, there is no smoke without fire. Why has similar controversy not arisen for other awardees?"
Rakesh Rawat, general manager, The Orchid Hotel, stands firmly behind Chatwal saying, "All the cases against Chatwal were never proved. His service to the industry is commendable. Why give it a political spin?"
