Nobel Peace Prize recognition of civil society’s contribution, says Pranab

President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday led the nation in heaping accolades on Indian activist, Kailash Satyarthi, for winning the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize, alongwith Pakistani teenage advocate for girls’ education, Malala Yousafzai.

In his congratulatory message, he said: “The prize should be seen as recognition of the contributions of India’s vibrant civil society in addressing complex social problems such as child labour and the important role played by it in collaboration with the Government in the nation’s efforts to eliminate all forms of child labour.”

Congratulating Mr. Satyarthi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: “The entire nation is proud of his momentous achievement.” He also congratulated Ms. Yousafzai and said hers is a journey of immense grit and courage.

Greeting both awardees, Vice-President Hamid Ansari said: “This is a richly deserved recognition for two remarkable human beings, who have worked tirelessly and fearlessly, against all odds, to protect and promote the rights of the child.”

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan also congratulated both.

The Congress sought to drive home the symbolism in India and Pakistan sharing the award at this juncture with spokesman Abhishek Singhvi tweeting: “What a message to world and India and Pakistan. Joint Indo-Pak male-female Nobel peace prize winners. We are being shamed into settling our age-old dispute.”