2014 Nobel Peace Prize : Who Do You Think Will Win?
It’s the time of the year when Nobel Prizes are announced. Nobel prize named after Alfred Bernhard Nobel is awarded to people who have extensively worked in the field of culture, science, literature and peace. 2013 Nobel Peace Award Winner was the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons for it’s extensive efforts to eliminate chemical weapons.
HISTORY
Alfred Nobel was a chemist well known for his invention of dynamite, an explosive material. Alfred wanted to leave a better legacy behind so he wrote a will which dictated like this- “The entire remaining estate should be used to endow prizes to those who, during the preceding year, shall have conferred the greatest benefit on mankind.”
NOMINEES
This year 278 candidates were nominated for the 2014 Nobel Peace prize.
Here is a list of a few with confirmed nomination.
Chelsea Manning
A United States Army soldier who was convicted in July 2013 for leaking US military’s documents and a video of Iraqi civilians and journalists being killed by a US helicopter gunship. Peace activists have nominated Chelsea for the disclosure at the WikiLeaks which helped end the Iraq War and for also providing possible information to help control further violence.
Edward Snowden
You have heard a lot about him. A former National Security Agency contractor who leaked about the domestic surveillance practices. He is a controversial figure. This is what he had to say :
“I’m willing to sacrifice (my former life) because I can’t in good conscience allow the U.S. government to destroy privacy, internet freedom and basic liberties for people around the world with this massive surveillance machine they’re secretly building,”
International Space Station Partnership
In partnership with the Space Safety Magazine which operates the station. It’s nominated for opening up space to 68 nations even though 15 nations operate on it.
Malala Yousafzai
Malala requires very less introduction. A 17 year old girl who continues to fight for women’s education rights in Pakistan even after Taliban’s assassination attempt. A brave heart. Know more about Malala Yousafzai Related: Malala – 5 Powerful Messages To The World
Pope Francis
He is well known for his call for peace in Syria. Syria conflict wasn’t in the agenda of G20 summit but Pope Francis urged the leaders of G20 summit to see the Syria conflict as an obstacle to economic development if nothing else. He is decisive in maintaining Peace.
He said “Violence never begets peace, the necessary condition for development.”
Jose Mujica
The president of Uruguay who lives a simple life, living in a small house who gives away nearly 90% of his earnings to charities.
He has been described as “The World’s Humblest President”
These people have contributed so much to the world and don’t you think world is more of a giver than receiver? So much to learn and so much to implement. They have tried to make a better world and their sacrifices are immense and inspiring.
There are many others who are nominated. The Nobel Prize organization never leaks out the nominees. These are the noted ones among the 278 candidates who are nominated by people and institutions. Result will be announced on October 10th in Oslo. We will update you.
Who do you think is the best for 2014 Nobel Peace Award. Let us know your favourite.
Vidya I like your post and the list of nominees and my personal favorite is the president of Uruguay i.e. the humblest president. I am afraid you missed one famous person who is been nominated for Nobel peace prize. He is the Indian father of Green Revolution. Yes! Dr. M. S. Swaminathan. He is been nominated for this prize for the last three years but couldn’t get one. Apart from this award he has done so many things for the sake of our nation especially in grassroot level.
Thank you Gowthama for mentioning about Dr. Swaminathan. I have missed a few more deserving names. I am sure there are many whose contribution to the society is immense.
I was not aware of him being nominated for 3 years. That’s a great achievement to bring the green revolution. Good to know about him. There is an Indian contender this time. Good to know about it.
My Vote goes for Jose Mujica. Thanks for sharing. Great Post!
Thank you Datta. I favour Jose Majica… A brilliant example for present day us and politicians.
Nice post once again Vidyashree, I suppose Malala should come as a winner.
Thank you Alok, Malala, such a brave girl, the hunger to get educated and make others get education is commendable. She is doing a divine work.
Vidya, there’s a very interesting story behind the origin of Nobel Prize. One morning, Alfred read his name in the obituary column. The newspapers had reported the death of him by mistake. His first response was shock and then he thought to find out what people had said about him. The obituary read, “Dynamite King Dies.” And also “He was the merchant of death.” This man was the inventor of dynamite and when he read the words “merchant of death,” he decided that this was not the way he wanted to be remembered. From that day on, he started working toward peace and and he is remembered today by the great Nobel Prize.
The story leaves a question for us: How would we like to be remembered?
Thanks Ravish never knew about it. :)
Oh yea Ravish. Had heard this story and it kept me thinking how beautiful he set things right. An explosive material which wasn’t actually invented for the massive destruction unfortunately was used extensively for that purpose.
He had something wonderful to leave behind. To leave a legacy behind for noticing people who do great deeds, to appreciate and encourage further.
I agree, it poses a question at us : How do we want to be remembered.