The number of voices protesting rising intolerance in the country is on the rise. Reports suggest a leading biologist has decided to return his Padma Bhushan award.
The founder-director of Centre for Cellular and molecular biology, PM Bhargava has said he is returning the award to protest against the government's attack on reasoning and science.
Over 130 scientists have a signed a petition urging President Pranab Mukherjee to take note of the charged atmosphere in the country.
This move comes after many recipients of the coveted Sahitya Akdemi award returned their prizes accusing the BJP government and allied elements of spreading religious differences across India.
Over 40 writers and poets have returned their awards in protest against the Akademi's silence over recent cases of rising intolerance ranging from the murder of rationalist MM Karaburgi to lynching of a man in Dadri for allegedly storing beef.
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