How Noble, eh?

By Pritha Lal
Springville, Utah, USA

Or was it ironic, to accept the Nobel for diplomacy and in the acceptance speech reaffirm that it was a "call to action" and dedicate to all the leaders of the world? 

Without getting into the political data crunching, here are a few questions that have left me puzzled?

- Does effort and vision mean more than results? In that case, if I were in the field of genetics and decide to "inspire the world" with my vision of finding a cure for cancer, would I be eligbile for the Nobel, 11 days after joining a prestigious lab ?

- Did he need the extra pressure? - I have nothing against the guy at all, in fact, living in this country, I want nothing more than the Prez to succeed in his endeavors, but does this funny little feather on his cap, make the world scrutiny of his actions any less?

- Doesn't an award get diluted when you have to explain and reinstate why it was given? - I mean what is sad, the fact that he accepted it or that even his own office is not sure whether exactly why he was receiving it? I do feel sorry for the guy in that context. I mean, feeling overwhelmed by an award is one thing, to feel "huh!!!, what was this for again?" .. in all honesty cannot do much for the ego in the long run...

- For peace really? - Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, Aung San Suu Kyi - their work and dedication give you goosebumps... has the Nobel committee lost it, maybe they did after they started thinking they were the Oscars and rewarding "documentaries" ?? ;) 

If only he had Tagore's humility and greatness to refuse this, President Barack Obama, would have truly been hailed as one of the greatest leaders that ever lived.. 

Thoughts, contradictions, affirmations.. anything goes on a topic like this.. :)