The decision to award this year’s Nobel Peace Prize to Kailash Satyarthi and Malala Yousafzai was very wise and timely (“ >India, Pak. crusaders share Nobel ,” Oct.11). With tensions persisting along the India-Pakistan border, the decision has sent out the right message to the masses. Conventional rivals India and Pakistan have been brought together beautifully through an award, that too for humanitarian causes. It has been proven that humanity has got broader meanings and cannot be confined to class, caste, age, sex, religion, nationality or ethnicity. It’s a master stroke by the Nobel Committee.
Anamika S. Nair,
Shillong
Kailash Satyarthi’s excellent work has finally been recognised at the highest level, in stark contrast to what is happening in India where we are busy awarding the Padma awards to those who strive for their individual excellence, of course with some exceptions. Is it not a shame not to recognise the selfless service of people like Mr. Satyarthi?
Mohd.Thayyab,
Hyderabad
The Norwegian Nobel Prize Committee has made the right decision in awarding the Peace Prize to Malala and Mr. Satyarthi. This is a proud moment for Pakistan and India. No doubt, it will boost the child rights movement all over the world. What is most impressive in Malala’s statements on sharing the prize was her hope that the Prime Ministers of both countries would participate in the Nobel Prize ceremony in December.
C.A.C. Murugappan,
Kothamangalam, Tamil Nadu
Pakistani troops should learn from the Nobel Committee’s decision — on the one hand a citizen of their country is contributing to peace in the world while on the other they are killing people and destroying efforts for peace. It is a great decision by the Nobel Committee to present the award jointly and try to bridge the gap between the two nations.
Yogita Sharma,
Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh
How grossly the state undervalues its committed and valued global citizen is reflected in the fact that the nomination of Mr. Satyarthi for this coveted and respected prize was made by members of the European Parliament and not the Indian government. One is sure that the media and political opportunists will bask in his glory and try to associate their names with the prize. We must talk substance instead of indulging in symbolism and tokenism.
Mukul Anand,
New Delhi
The award is a recognition for Indian human rights NGOs who have been working quietly as the fifth pillar of Indian democracy and battling against the odds. This is also a reminder for Indian and Pakistani political establishments that the bigger enemies both of them face are poverty, exploitation and persecution. This is also an opportunity for the Indian media to have a relook at its priorities and look beyond praising pseudo-political idols and their suspect ideologies.
Jeevan D.,
Thiruvananthapuram
Mr. Satyarthi winning the prize is a proud moment for all Indians. But the fact is that hardly anyone knew who he was. He has not even been awarded a Padma! Why didn’t the media find the time to cover his marvellous work earlier? There are bound to be many more Kailash Satyarthis in the country who are devoting their whole lives for others, but have never got any encouragement, appreciation or attention.
Kapil Dev Surira,
Kannur, Kerala
