‘Sword of Honour’ Award Apothecaries’ Hall and House of Lords, British Parliament, London Trust the British to transform an occasion for a sedate industrial award into a matter of pomp and circumstance. Complete with mediaeval costume and fanfare. Red carpets, liveried town-criers with bells to ring in the items on the agenda, escorts in flowing white gowns to escort you arm in arm to your seat. It could be straight out of Shakespeare! The herald announcing your arrival from a scroll, with ‘Hark ye, Hark ye ladies and gentlemen, now comes Mr. ……’ The award is sponsored by the Queen and royalty is always present for the awards. Except for BBC cameras, photography was prohibited. When Siemens won the award in 1990, good friend KK Kanchan and I went to London. The speeches were short and very witty, deprecating the sorry state of British industry as compared to its Indian counterparts. Lord Hunt bestowed the Sword in a very ancient ritual. I had to quietly slip a silver farthing into his pocket, before accepting the sword. He whispered into my ears, “We British are quaint. The silver coin is the price you pay for getting the award!” The Countess hosted us at the Bakery of House of Lords. We carried on the light banter with her, feasting on an array of English tortes, pastries and other goodies, with loads of tea and camaraderie. While leaving, she gave each of us a box of goodies for our families. Each piece bore the insignia of the House of Lords. On a holiday in 1959, I was strolling along the Thames, when suddenly the historic Parliament burst on the scene. Little did I realise, that decades later we would be feted and feasted inside its august precincts. The sharp sword was a real one crafted by Wilkinsons, weapon makers to the Queen. On both sides of the silver blade, it was hand engraved with intricate floral patterns. The handle was gold plated, with enamel royal insignia. Indian companies are more frequent winners of this award, including ITC, Larsen & Toubro and Reliance. I think, Crompton, too.
Posted on: Sun, 14 Jul 2013 12:53:02 +0000
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