As V.R. Krishna Iyer has pointed out in his article “A tribute to Obama, a disciple of Gandhi” (Oct. 15), all great men are misunderstood. So is it with Barack Obama too, evident from the deluge of columns in almost all dailies criticising his being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The fact remains that he is yet to prove himself though his oratorical skills have brought him to the forefront. Only time will tell whether Mr. Obama can deliver.
Jaya V. Iyer,
Chennai
Justice Iyer’s views may not find acceptance among those who have questioned the correctness of awarding the Peace Nobel to Mr. Obama. But there will be unanimous agreement on the fact that the tribute is excellent and full of noble ideas. The profound ideas and thought of the senior citizen and, more importantly, his keenness to write and motivate others should make every Indian proud. Mr. Obama should treasure this ‘tribute’ as a remarkable piece of compliment and hope in him.
S. Suryanarayanan,
Chennai
The article is excellent in language but deficient in content and hasty in its conclusions. The author should have waited for four years. It is too early to talk about Mr. Obama’s achievements in establishing peace as mere promises do not count for accomplishments. The only positive note about Mr. Obama is that he is a good man who has succeeded a bad President.
J. Eden Alexander,
Thanjavur
It would have been far more credible had President Obama been awarded the Nobel for being the first Afro-American to occupy the White House after decisively defeating the forces of conservatism, racial prejudices and status quo. Such a citation would have greatly motivated and energised the deprived masses the world over to strive harder for emancipation.
P. Krishnan,
Puttaparthi
With due respects to Justice Iyer, I strongly object to what he has said about Mr. Obama. He has compared the incomparable: Gandhiji and Mr. Obama. The U.S. President has done nothing for world peace.
Tilak Subramanian,
Chennai
