The former CEO of Brahmos, A. Shivathanu Pillai, today said that awards are given in recognition of the contributions and services rendered to the nation, and once received, it was over.

Shivathanu Pillai is currently an Honourary Distinguished Professor at ISRO. He was given the Padmabhushan award in 2013. He had come to Coimbatore to participate in the 6th Founders Day celebrations of the Camford International School.

“We are recognised by the government and the nation for our services in our respective fields. Once we receive it, it is over,” Pillai said, replying to a question on the recent trend of returning the awards by many recipients.

”Moreover, the awards were given by the previous governments and this government has nothing to do with it,” he said.