Indian HR Ministry Raises Controversy Over Anand's Nationality
The current world chess champion Viswanathan Anand is probably one of the most successful "sportsmen" competing on an international level in the history of India , and he has been a very pleasant figure in the chess scene over decades not only with his professional attitude towards the game and beautiful play, but also with the very humble & friendly "Mr. Nice Guy" personality.We already are well aware of all these, but it seems the Indian Government isn't.
Anand has been subject to suspicions about his nationality by the very Human Resources Ministry of his country, just because he lives in Spain. Amazing stuff, really.
The HR Ministry, when Anand was just about to be given a honorary doctorate in Mathematics by The University of Hyderabad, caused this whole mess by "investigating" his citizenship status.
Here are the links to some news articles that further explain the issue:
http://ibnlive.in.com/news/govt-questions-anands-indian-citizenship/129481-5-23.html
http://www.ndtv.com/article/sports/anand-denied-doctorate-due-to-confusion-over-nationality-46858 (This is the source of the above picture as well.)
The controversy concluded in Anand refusing the doctorate degree for now, and this is what he has tweeted about the mess:
It is just irritating this whole doctorate debacle. Don't they see that I always play with the Indian flag by my side...
.. I am in hyderebad to enjoy the simul and meet mathematicians , let's hope this doesn't spoil the ambience. I'm having a great time.
UPDATE:
Times of India now has a video of Anand's wife and manager Aruna Anand commenting on all this at their website. You can also read the full article here.
2nd UPDATE: It seems WCC Viswanathan Anand will now be Dr. Viswanathan Anand too, after the HR Minister apologizes himself and declares there's no problem regarding his nationality:
http://in.news.yahoo.com/20/20100824/1416/tnl-sibal-apologises-to-anand-says-no-qu.html
3rd UPDATE: Anand's latest tweet, as a Doctor! :
from Dr. Anand just call me Indian Anand . Glad this bizzare thing has come to an end
