This refers to the report “ >Pak. Taliban criticises Nobel for Malala ” (Oct. 12). This is certainly the right time for the Taliban to change its fanatical attitude. It must be proud of Malala for representing the country on a global platform. It should efface its extreme thoughts and walk in the golden footprints of Malala.
V. Nagaraju,
Ongole
News of Kailash Satyarthi having been chosen as a joint awardee of the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize brings a moment of great joy and pride to every Indian. It was more of a pleasant surprise as many of us are not familiar with his name. How the media failed to highlight the yeoman service being rendered by this activist is a mystery. The credit goes to the European Parliament for due recognition of this “august personality” among us and for nominating him for the award. One is also struck by his humility.
G. Charumathi,
Chennai
There is no doubt that it is a moment of joy and pride for all of us that the Nobel Peace prize has been awarded to an Indian. But what is sad is that the Indian government lags behind in recognising such people. The profile of Mr. Satyarthi shows that he was awarded the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award by the U.S. way back in 1995; there was not even a Padma from our own government. Is this the importance we accord to human rights?
Prasanth Balantrapu,
Tiruchi
Kailash Satyarthi won the race as a dark horse, surprising most Indians. He deserves full applause. On the other hand, Malala is a global personality as she stood up to the Taliban. As for Mr. Satyarthi, it is unfortunate that there has been no prominence or publicity for his work. It is gratifying that Europe could spot him and make a detailed study of his work. The statements by Mr. Satyarthi after winning the Prize show his humility. Malala too retains the innocence of a cherub.
K.R. Unnithan,
Chennai
Mr. Satyarthi’s moment of glory shows the unfair manner in which our civilian awards are given. The government does not shy away from awarding the Padma to those who court controversy. The government needs to ponder over why the Padmas seem to be more “loyalty awards” than a recognition of merit.
K.B. Dessai,
Margao, Goa
Kailash Satyarthi’s Bachpan Bachao Andolan has been active in factories, brick kilns and carpet-making workshops where children and their indebted parents often pledge themselves to work for decades in return for short-term loans. He has rescued and rehabilitated thousands. When such great work has been done to uphold the dignity of children, it is indeed a moment to introspect why inspirational souls are relegated to the background.
Neeraj Babu C.,
Mumbai
