Opinion

Edhi for the Nobel Prize

The humble Abdul Sattar Edhi has served as a beacon of hope for millions in the country over the last many decades

Editorial April 25, 2016

Abdul Sattar Edhi. PHOTO: PPI

The humble Abdul Sattar Edhi has served as a beacon of hope for millions in the country over the last many decades. His is the name that brings the highest level of pride to one when discussing heroic Pakistani figures. Mr Edhi has suffered through uncertain health in recent times, which has saddened the nation and Pakistanis stand united in praying for his health. The nation also hopes that Mr Edhi, a true national treasure, will also be honoured for his selfless dedication to humanitarian causes by being awarded with the Nobel Peace Prize, an honour that he should have been bestowed with a long time ago.

However, the humility of the man hailing from a small village in Bantva, Gujarat, is so immense that he would respond to such wishes by saying that he is a human first and serving mankind is simply the purpose of his life. Mr Edhi has said in the past that he does not need any award for his work and that he has received enough in the way of contentment and life satisfaction. In a country where greed, connivance, selfishness and the ‘survival of the fittest’ are often seen in practice, Mr Edhi’s work counters this stereotype. Pakistanis from every background will have only praises to sing of the man as his work exceeds any man-made divisions such as nationality and class. Whether it is his orphanages, world-class ambulance service, homes for the elderly, shelters for various vulnerable groups or clinics, Mr Edhi and his crew have come to citizens’ rescue regardless of their religious, cultural or ethnic affiliations.

Mr Edhi deserves the Nobel Peace Prize for his devotion to humanity — spanning six decades — unmatched by any other Pakistani and few individuals worldwide. For Pakistanis, he ranks among the world’s greatest heroes, such as Mother Teresa and Mahatma Gandhi. Indubitably, it would be the biggest regret for Pakistanis and all those who have any knowledge of Mr Edhi’s feats, if he does not win the Nobel Prize, which he so richly deserves.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 25^th, 2016.

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COMMENTS (7)

Ch. K. A. Nye | 8 years ago | Reply What is this obsession with the Nobel peace prize? Gems like Edhi sb., have no need for such prizes and the world already recognises him... Instead of 'likes' on FB and sanctimonious pleading for prizes, do that little bit and donate to the Trust...

IBN E ASHFAQUE | 8 years ago | Reply I respect Edhi Sahib.......He does not deserve the Noble Peace Prize........that is for people who kill humans indiscriminately in the name of peace........and spread terror in the name of peace......Edhi Sahib does not need to stoop so low.........

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Rex Minor | 8 years ago | Reply Why Nobel prize for Mr Edhi who is revered by Pakis? What has this guy undertaken for the benefits of the people outside his country? Rex Minor

Solomon2 | 8 years ago | Reply Sadly, the Nobel Peace Prize is not what it was, nor what it was meant to be: an award in recognition of accomplishments during the proceeding year. A year isn't usually enough time to recognize accomplishment, so the time frame stretched from years to decades. Yet Mr. Edhi has been recognized and honored by others for his work for over a quarter-century now, whereas President Obama received the Nobel Prize not for his record,in office, but for winning election to it. The Nobel Committee's failings does not mean Mr. Edhi is less worthy of recognition and honor by all citizens of the planet..

Parvez | 8 years ago | Reply Edhi is beyond worldly accolades.......if The Nobel Committee decides to give him an award it will be said ' The Nobel people got it right ' and I doubt there would be much dissent. Apparently 8 years down the road the Committee Chairman is scratching his head and asking ' Did we do the right thing giving Obama a Peace award '.

Raees Ahmad | 8 years ago | Reply @Toti calling: Who is founder of Grameen Bank? He, too is a muslim from Bangladesh. Nobel Prize is awarded for a meaningful purpose and there is a specific procedure for it. Why are we not asking Saudi Arabia to initiate such a prize after the name of 'Hazrat Mohammad (pbuh). They can start up with it but they have no skill to devise an analytical procedure in setting a merit.

Toti calling | 8 years ago | Reply I agree Edhi is a great man. But I also know that he has been considered for Nobel prize by the committee as he is appreciated by most of the world. The reason for not accomplishing this feat is because he does it in the name of Islam and the world is more interested in secular values and do not limit themselves to any faith. Mother Teresa was a Christian and spent all her life in Calcutta helping non Christian people. Same goes for many other great names. WE can disagree with this approach, but must point out the reasons for not getting the award.

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