To take up the cause of our more unfortunate brethren is the quality human beings need to develop
Announcement of Nobel prizes are always viewed with awe and the awardees acquire an overnight halo. More so, for persons from the so-called developing countries which still is considered as the third world, whatever that may mean. Against this backdrop, the winning of the Nobel Peace Prize by an Indian is certainly a matter to be rejoiced because Indians figuring on the list of awardees are few and far between in the history of these prizes. Kailash Satyarthi has certainly done India proud. Whether we like it or not, Nobel prizes are global benchmarks and to stand in the same league as Barack Obama or Al Gore is no small feat.
This, however, is not to undermine the efforts of those who have contributed in their own way to make this world a better place for humanity. Every effort counts and every effort is welcome. But the recognition that comes with a Nobel prize is certainly unmatched. Yes, many times we find some names we may consider as surprises as we may think of more worthy persons. But this kind of skepticism can arise in almost all awards. Our valiant lady boxer who was relegated to the third place in the recently concluded Asian Games is a case in point.
Measuring performance and recognising achievements are often found wanting on the touchstone of perfect objectivity and transparency. But that is a risk every performer has to take. That apart, the fact remains that Satyarthi, an Indian, has been considered worthy of a Nobel prize.
let us hope that this award inspires many more Indians to pursue similar goals. This world is certainly an uncertain one and all human beings are born with different degrees of luck. In a country like India, this is even more true. To take up the cause of our more unfortunate brethren is the quality human beings need to develop. Particularly, because most of the human problems are the creation of human beings.
To quote JF Kennedy, the late US President: “Our problems are man-made and therefore can be solved by men. No problem of human destiny is beyond human being.” All that is needed is sincere and dedicated effort. Not that all those efforts will be recognised globally or get an award that is internationally acclaimed. But all those efforts will be a step forward towards making this world a better place to live.
Satyarthi could do this for children who were victims of fortuitous circumstances. In fact, there were drafted into misfortune even before they could realise what was wrong with their fortune. There are many more such unfortunate children. And why children, there are unfortunate persons in several categories.
A helping hand may change their fortunes. True lending this helping hand comes with a price. But yes, everything in the world has a price. Price which two of Satyarthi’s colleagues paid. Price which even Gandhi had to pay for the cause of communal amity. That is how this world is. And as to the regrets about Gandhi not getting the Nobel, let us understand that he was above the Nobel. So, let us all do what we can for the cause of humanity. There is a lot to do in this world and let us all do our part.
The writer is a professor, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad (Jharkhand). He can be reached at ppathak.ism@gmail.com