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Lesson 20

Nobel Peace Prize

The Nobel Peace Prize is one of the five Nobel

Prizes established by Alfred Nobel, a Swed-
ish scientist and inventor. This prestigious

award is given to an individual or group who
throughout the previous year shall have done

the best work in relating with other nations, for
the eradication or decline of belligerent groups

and for upholding and promoting peace talks. It is evident that working for
lasting peace is a long process, but great recognition should also be given to

those who work hard to attain it. The Nobel Peace Prize is a good way to recog-
nize such people or organizations despite the controversies. The nomination of

Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin and Yasser Arafat is one of the reasons, which made
this award controversial. Some people criticized it as being politically slanted

to the left denying its worth. The other controversy is the omission of this prize
because it does not give recognition to those who have evidently worked for

peace such as Mahatma Gandhi, Corazon Aquino and other unsung peace
advocates. Despite controversies on nominations for this prestigious prize, it

remains reputable as all its laureates.

Comprehension

1. Who instituted this prestigious recognition?
2. Name some of the nominees that made the Nobel Peace Prize
controversial.

Questions

1. Why are there some controversies regarding this particular Nobel Prize?
2. What are some of the basis for nominating people for this award?

Vocabulary & Expressions

eradication - the act of getting rid of something totally
belligerent - engaged in a war recognized by international law
controversy - disagreement on a contentious topic, expressed by all those concerned
laureates - a recipient of a prize or honor for outstanding achievement in a particular field
nominees - someone who has been proposed for honor

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