Peace Nobel

The Norwegian Nobel Committee has done a commendable job by selecting the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons for the 2013 Peace Nobel for its 16 long years of struggle to liberate the globe from the clutches of chemical weapons.

Malala Yousufzai of Pakistan, who was shot by the Taliban for expressing her views in favour of girls’ education and empowerment, lost the race. No doubt, the young girl, currently in London, deserves a pat on the back and support for the courage she displayed. But to win the Nobel Prize for Peace, one must work continuously for peace. Sentiments alone cannot be a factor in deciding the winner of the award.

R.S. Shanmuganathan,

Sullurpeta

“It is easy to stand in the crowd, but it takes courage to stand alone.” This phrase aptly suits Malala, a brave young girl who braved terrorists to promote the cause of girls’ education. No doubt, the Peace Nobel has been awarded to the right organisation. But Malala was a close contender.

Yashwanth Pulidindi,

Eluru

By steering clear of the more popular choices, the Nobel Peace Prize Committee has raised the stature of the award after the beating it took by awarding it to Barack Obama and the EU in the past.

By recognising the role OPCW plays, the Prize also acknowledges the peace process initiated in Syria.

N. Vinayak,

Alappuzha