Farokh Engineer hopes to end 53-year wait for Padma Shri
Engineer’s Half-Century Quest for Padma Shri Nears Resolution
Bharatmorningnews.com – Manchester-based former Indian wicketkeeper Farokh Engineer has spent over five decades waiting for a recognition that eluded him. At 88 years of age, the cricket legend possesses an impressive array of honors, most recently the BCCI’s Col. C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award presented in 2024. Yet one prestigious accolade remains absent from his collection—the Padma Shri.
The Government of India originally honored the charismatic cricketer half a century ago, but the physical medal and accompanying citation never made it to his hands. Engineer recalls receiving congratulatory messages from acquaintances back home during President VV Giri’s tenure, confirming his name appeared on the list. However, no formal documentation or invitation to Rashtrapati Bhavan ever arrived.
I got messages of congratulations from friends and colleagues in India that the Government of India has named me for the Padma Shri award, during President VV Giri’s time, but I have never received anything in writing from the GoI, or an invitation to the Rashtrapati Bhavan to receive the honours. I am sure my medal and certificate will be there. I will proudly display it in my house.
Career Highlights and On-Field Achievements
Engineer’s illustrious playing span stretched from 1961 through 1975, encompassing 46 Test matches where he accumulated 2,611 runs at an average of 31.08. His batting prowess complemented his exceptional wicketkeeping, particularly against the legendary Indian spin quartet comprising Bishan Singh Bedi, Erapalli Prasanna, Bhagwat Chandrasekhar, and S Venkataraghavan.
Primarily an opener throughout his career, Engineer registered both of his century scores at the top of the order, with his peak achievement being 121 runs. His most celebrated performance came against the West Indies at Madras during the 1966-67 season, when he amassed 94 runs before lunch on day one, dismantling an attack featuring Wes Hall, Charlie Griffith, Garry Sobers, and Lance Gibbs. His 16 half-centuries included numerous crucial contributions in challenging away conditions.
Current Efforts to Secure the Long-Awaited Honor
For years, Engineer has actively pursued this matter with cricket administrators. Recently, he engaged with senior Mumbai Cricket Association officials who are now assisting him. MCA treasurer Armaan Malik shared that during a developmental squad tour to the United Kingdom in June-July, they honored Engineer, who specifically requested assistance with claiming his Padma Shri.
He told me, ‘when VV Giri was the President of India, my name was in the list for Padma Shri, but I didn’t get the invitation and missed on getting the certificate and medal. It will be there for sure and if MCA can take the initiative and help me get it’.
MCA President Ajinkya Naik has directed Engineer to submit an official email to facilitate the MCA’s pursuit through proper channels. Additionally, former BCCI secretary and current ICC chairman Jay Shah, whom Engineer met at Lord’s during an India Women’s Test match, has pledged his support.
A senior government source indicated that the Ministry of Home Affairs must now render a decision on this case. Engineer previously approached the late Arun Jaitley, then a Union Minister, for assistance.
1971 England Series: A Career Defining Moment
Engineer’s selection for the Padma Shri was reportedly influenced by his outstanding performances during India’s historic 1971 Test series victory in England. He described this period as the renaissance of Indian cricket, following India’s triumphs over both the West Indies and England.
In the decisive third Test at Kennington Oval, London, Engineer played a pivotal role. During India’s first innings, he top-scored with 59 runs in a total of 284, helping the team recover from 125/5 through a partnership with Eknath Solkar before falling at 230. In the second innings, he remained unbeaten on 28 while batting at number seven, partnering with Gundappa Viswanath to successfully chase a target of 174 from 134/5.
His contributions were consistent across the series: 28 and 35 in the first Test’s two innings, and 22 in the second Test’s single innings.
A Legacy Recognized in Manchester
Engineer holds a unique distinction in Manchester cricket history. Alongside Clive Lloyd, he is one of only two individuals to have stands named in his honor at the iconic Old Trafford cricket ground.
I am the only person along with Clive Lloyd who have stands named at the iconic Old Trafford cricket ground, Manchester, but getting a medal at the Rashtrapati Bhawan would top all that. It would put the icing on the cake.
It will mean so much to me to be invited by our government and receive it from our President. I will like to proudly have it in my Trophy cabinet.
Despite residing in England for many years, Engineer maintains a deep connection to his homeland. He expressed that living abroad has not diminished his Indian identity.
Although I live in England, I am absolutely desi at heart. I am hugely proud of being an Indian, always have been and always will be.
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