However, one of the most deserving candidates Mahatma Gandhi was not awarded the coveted prize. It is nice to see Nobel Peace Prize committee taking the right decision this time. I hope both the recipients can successfully achieve the goal they have set for the good of children in both India and Pakistan. It would be wonderful if they can work cooperating and helping each other as Malala has said in her press address in Birmingham Library that Sri Satyarthi has already spoken to her and they have discussed the possible way forward for their work. Whether a programme of this kind can come into effect and be fruitful that is another matter.
The socio-political environment in which they operate is very different. Malala is now living in Birmingham. All her family members have migrated to England. Although many Pakistanis feel proud of her achievement, and rightly so, but there are others in her homeland consider her as a western agent. There is no guarantee of her safety if she went back home. But the situation with Sri Satyarthi is quite the opposite. Not only is he encouraged in his work he is actively supported by all Indians. He has no fear for his life. In view of what Malala has said about possible Indo-Pakistan relation, would she be able to return to Pakistan and be a politician there? Only time will tell. The main point is why a Pakistani man has not been taking any initiative for girls’ education in Pakistan?
Dr Jatindra Saha
By email
