Column

Critics of the Nobel committee have argued about a ‘sell-out’ to brand value over real achievement in awarding the Peace prize to President Barack Obama. But is there subliminal despair of the human race in this decision I wonder.

Politically, militarily and economically, this planet remains so volatile, so divided — indeed so much on the brink of blowing itself up — that even a prophet would be reluctant to venture a solution. So, hope perhaps must now be sought through radical means, which means a fairly new newish’ head of state becomes the new apostle for peace even as his performance in office awaits scrutiny.

Obama’s record in the run-up to the presidency was exceptional, of course. His work as senator and his personal charisma dissolved over two hundred years of racial prejudice. He spoke strongly in favour of the disenfranchised and the under-privileged. As the first coloured man to become President of the US, he conquered a seemingly invincible frontier, inspiring hopes of a newfound world order.

But nine months of Obama in office have been like the curate’s egg, good and bad in parts. His home ratings have slumped from the very high to middling levels, and not every policy initiative today is being acknowledged as a master-stroke. There is some amount of disillusionment already in America; the aura seems to have slipped a little, the grunt work has begun.

In international affairs, he has been able to fight off some bushfires (no pun intended), but the more grave issues still evade answers. The Islamic world for instance, which too had hailed his arrival as president, now appears skeptical if the responses to the Nobel are an indication.

Candidacy for the Peace award, by common consensus, should be structured on a body of work accomplished over a period of time. Quality and longevity of achievement, not the potential for this, would be key determinants. To use sports as an analogy, MS Dhoni would be a dubious choice for, say, a Lifetime Award today even though he has brought in a freshness into Indian cricket and has some splendid victories to his credit.

Yes, Obama’s star appeal survives and clearly still runs across globe. Now he also has a halo. But the virtue of sainthood lies in showing the true path to salvation, not side alleys,or worse, cul de sacs. The world waits and watches.
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A little over two years ago when I met Amitabh Bachchan at his residence, he was distraught and fuming. Several stories — some quirky, some murky — surrounding the marriage of his son Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai had left the actor bewildered and bitter.

A few days before his 67th birthday (which is today), we met in the same house and the same room, and his disposition was remarkably different. I wouldn’t say he was bouncing around, but he looked energised for his new professional challenges, and more at peace with life.

Bachchan’s success as an actor does not demand much scrutiny. I don’t have the expertise to opine whether he is India’s best actor, but that not too many have been on the top for so long anywhere in the world is easily established. Rather, it is his resilience — in matters of profession, health, finance etc — that I find the more engaging.

The capacity of some people to overcome crises, and come goodjust when they are being written off, makes for interesting study. In a long career and life, setbacks are inevitable, but it is in the nature of the fightback that the mettle of a person is known.

In this respect, Amitabh Bachchan has shown perhaps more ‘character’ than his best-scripted role. It would be fascinating to see how he would interpret himself on the screen. Any takers?