I READ with interest the decision of the Nobel Peace Prize Committee to confer on the Pakistani teenager, Malala Yousafzai, the Nobel Peace Prize along with Indian campaigner against child trafficking, Kailash Satyarthi.The fact that an Indian and a Pakistani won the Nobel Peace Prize could help in building bridges between these two powerful neighbours, especially at this time of rising tension over the situation in Kashmir.
I think the award is most deserving for both of them, who, in their own ways, have helped to raise public awareness of the obstacles that stood in the way of children to grow up and realise their dreams of a better life.
Malala was attacked in 2012 on a school bus by masked men as a punishment for advocating education for women and girls. Ever since she was shot and the news spread across the world, I was following her recovery and progress.
She came across as someone who, even though a teenager, knew what she was about, and stood up defiantly and courageously for what she passionately believed in, namely, the right for girls to receive education and to pursue their dreams.
I watched her speaking on television during her recent visit to Trinidad and Tobago, and I have to say that I was highly impressed by her maturity and articulation of a cause that she believed in, and for which she is now a global advocate.
She has become the youngest person to receive that prestigious award, which is a fitting recognition of her struggle and determination to make her voice heard on behalf of children throughout the world.

HYDAR ALLY