I have been witnessing with great dismay and shock, the recent violent attacks on Indian students in Australia, on the electronic media the entire day. One of them, as is apparent from the coverage, lies in a hospital critically conditioned. There have been diplomatic overtures from both Governments - India complaining and expressing their concern and anger through the level of the Prime Minister and Australia expressing regret, but admitting purported racist overtones in the incident. This is, as many know, the fourth such incident in a month, not to mention several other cases that have been in prominence through the years.

Now.. here is the problem and the reason I seek help.

Last week, I have accepted from the Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia an offer of decorating me with an Honarary Doctorate for my contribution to the world of entertainment. This issue was under discussion and consideration by the University Board for some months and has now fructified. It is to be conferred on me in the month of July as a part of the celebrations being held there, to commemorate a retrospective of my films to be inaugurated in the city.

I mean no disrespect to the Institution that honors me, but under the present circumstances, where citizens of my own country are subjected to such acts of inhuman horror, my conscience does not permit me to accept this decoration from a country that perpetrates such indignity to my fellow countrymen. And here is where I need your inputs. Am I right in thinking so. And if yes then is my act of refusing the honor justified or not. I shall put this up as my POLL question and shall feel obliged if EF can indicate to me their opinion, for me to be able to take the correct action.

Meanwhile back in the ranch, we have further communication from Mr Mobile AntiBlog MisSpeller Sareen. He expresses anguish thus -

‘Dear Amitji, I sincerely apologise for the spelling mistake made by me in your Father’s name by default, in my previous SMS to you. But Sir, I’m highly disturbed, perturbed and upset with you that you chose not only to Publish my Private Cell No., but also my Private SMS to you ! I had expected more maturity from a person of your Stature !! What if I were to Publish Your Cell No. on your own Blogsite ??? I’ve already started getting calls & SMSes from your fans at this Unearthly hour !!! :-m’

My deepest apologies Mr MABM Sareen for this error on my part. It happened by default ! You are at absolute liberty to publish, if blogging can be called that, any content of mine. My Private No., that you acquired without my knowledge or permission, or any other information that you think needs public exposure. Expectations - the belief that something will happen, or be the case in the future, that someone will or should achieve something, one’s prospects of inheritance or expected value, are completely odious most of the time, especially in the matter of maturity. Most of those that expect maturity, need to first sit themselves down and spend sometime in front of a mirror !! I do however regret the unearthly hour of your disturbance by fans. You had claimed that you were one too - a fan. May I add that yours to me came in at an unearthly hour too !!

There are a huge number of comments from those that respond and a huge desire on my part to answer to them, simply because the questions that arise in their inquisitive but sensitive minds, are most valid and worthy of attention. But my prosthetics and its after effects often send my schedule in a tizzy. I shall get back to you, this is a promise, but a promise that shall require greater patience .

“Whatever we do we must remember our aim at every moment. If you dream to fly with the Eagles don’t waste your time swimming with the Ducks !”

If you had the choice of defining for me my passion. What would it be ? This is not a POLL question. Just a personal query that may help me in taking another decision.

I trouble you much do I not ? But that is my prerogative, is it not ??

My love for you… including Mr MABM Sareen

Amitabh Bachchan