TL;DR: The recent awarding of the Padma Bhushan to Sadhvi Rithambara has ignited significant debate. While some praise her social work, others highlight her controversial past, particularly her involvement in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and inflammatory speeches. This decision raises questions about the values and messages conveyed by such honors.

The government's decision to confer the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award, upon Sadhvi Rithambara has sparked widespread debate. While some commend her contributions to social work, particularly in uplifting abandoned children and destitute women, others express concern over her controversial past and the message this award conveys.
Sadhvi Rithambara gained prominence in the 1980s as a speaker for the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). She was a prominent figure in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, which led to the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992. Her fiery speeches during this period have been criticized for inciting communal tensions. The Liberhan Commission, established to investigate the demolition, named her among those culpable for the incident.
Critics argue that honoring an individual with such a divisive history undermines India's secular and democratic values. Justice For All, an advocacy organization, stated that this decision "sets a dangerous precedent, sending a message to extremist elements that hate speech and violence against minorities are not only tolerated but can lead to accolades and state recognition."
Supporters, however, highlight her social initiatives, such as Vatsalya Gram, which provides a familial environment for abandoned children and destitute women. Vinod Bansal, a VHP spokesperson, emphasized her dedication to societal upliftment, stating, "Sadhvi ji dedicated her entire life to the upliftment of society and religion. Her care for countless abandoned children and destitute women is unparalleled."
This award raises important questions about the criteria and values considered in conferring national honors. It also highlights the ongoing tension between recognizing social contributions and acknowledging past actions that may have sown division. As India continues to navigate its diverse social fabric, such decisions will undoubtedly influence the nation's discourse on unity, secularism, and the true meaning of service to society.