Indian politician awards donkeys for loyalty
A politician from India has honoured two donkeys in Bangalor in recognition of their hard work, loyalty, honesty, discipline and obedience.
Speaking to NDTV on Tuesday, Vatal Nagaraj, who heads a regional political party in Bangalore, said: "I have decided to honour all domestic animals like donkeys, dogs, buffaloes, cows and oxes, as they are more loyal than human beings, hard-working, disciplined and obedient."
Mr Nagaraj presented the awards to the two donkeys at the inter-state bus terminus in the city centre, much to the amusement of the people who were gathered there.
After bathing the donkeys and dressing them up for the occasion, Nagaraj draped the donkeys with colourful beads and shawls. He then showered them with rose petals. The event drew huge applause from scores of his supporters, admirers and the curious crowd that stopped to witness the occasion.
On Monday (January 5) The Times of India reported Nagaraj saying that donkeys were the most ignored creatures, which need to be recognised.
Vatal said: "No applications invited, no applications received. And no juries set up to chose the candidates for award. This happens to be the most unique award ceremony in the world."