Actor Katrina Kaif with Gadkari at the event. (Express Photo by Pradip Das) Actor Katrina Kaif with Gadkari at the event. (Express Photo by Pradip Das)

IT’S common in governments that good performers are not recognised and those making mistakes are not punished, said Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari in Mumbai Monday.

He was speaking at the 32nd anniversary of NGO Priyadarshini Academy’s global awards, where he was felicitated for his contribution to infrastructure development in the state. Referring to his work on roads, highways and flyovers across Maharashtra during his tenure as the Public Works Department (PWD) minister between 1995 and 1999, Gadkari said he felt honoured to be felicitated.

“Twelve years back, when I served as the PWD minister in Maharashtra, I was responsible for the completion of some essential projects, including the Yashwantrao Chavan Mumbai-Pune Expressway, flyovers and making of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. I did those works then and forgot about it as the government changed. However, Priyadarshini Academy recognised my work. My effort will be to make many more highways in the coming years that are as smooth as the expressway,” he said.

Referring to the recognition he received Monday, he said in a lighter vein, “Har sarkar mein achhe karne walon ko sanman nahi milta, aur bure karne walon ko sazza nahi milti (People who do good are never respected and ones who do wrong are never punished). I thank this academy for making me realise my contribution and felicitating me. Among future works, efforts are to connect Delhi-Jaipur and Vadodara-Mumbai through high-speed roads,” he said.

Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu, also present at the event, said the academy must also start an award for those standing up against terrorism. “We all are hurt and want to offer our condolences for the deaths of soldiers in the Uri terror attack. For the many being felicitated here, someone who is trying to end terrorism must also be rewarded,” he said.

The Priyadarshini Academy awards were presented to individuals for excellence in various fields, including actors Katrina Kaif and Juhi Chawla, among others. “Along with the love received from fans, one feels good to receive this recognition through this award. I think with my award, every woman who has contributed to the society is recognised,” Katrina said.

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