Saturday, October 10, 2009

Nobel lollipop for US poster boy Obama

Bo, the birthday boy (I mean the dog) is both happy and sad. Reason: The White House darling is elated over his master Barack Obama’s Nobel Peace Prize feat. But now he wants more. He wants one for himself too. So, the Swedish Nobel Committee is giving a serious thought to initiating the Canine Nobel Peace Prize from next year. And no prizes for guessing who’s going to win it.

Nobel panel has cited Obama’s work in nuclear weapons elimination and international diplomacy as the primary reasons for giving him the coveted award. However, there are no takers for this (ill)logical argument. In nine months of his presidency, Obama has merely unveiled his ‘VISION’, the concrete work is yet to be done. Hence, a Nobel Peace prize for him at this stage is like handing over a merit certificate and a report card (bearing the ‘passed with distinction’ remarks) to a new entrant in a classroom.

While Bapu, Obama’s inspiration, was denied this honour, how could he be given this prize, simply on the basis of his brilliant oratory?

Being a complete Bollywood buff, I can’t help compare this situation with SRK winning Filmfare Award for almost every Yash Raj trash he has worked in. Hey, don’t think I am after this guy’s life (as I wrote a critical blog on him earlier). I love SRK for his oratory and charm and his self-made route to superstardom. But being charming doesn’t mean you deserve award almost every year, especially while Filmfare panel dares to put the likes of Naseeruddin Shah as nominees in the same category.

Anyways, coming back to international diplomacy, Obama’s visionary statements and proposals are undoubtedly impressive, but for God’s sake, the Nobel panel should have at least waited for the implementation.

Obama says he is humbled by the Nobel honour and thinks he doesn’t ‘deserve’ it. Well, we may not agree with his hollow VISION of a nuke-free world, but we surely agree with him on this one. Boy! You better pull your socks (and everything else) up and get going. A lot of work needs to be done. Being awarded with an A+ grade at the beginning of your presidential session means you better live up to the hype now. Enjoy the moment, but gear up for greater challenges ahead. As my friend Nadim puts it, it is scary. All eyes are glued on him.

One mistake and…no he won’t be out. The American fools will elect him for a second term in vain hope that the TDH hunk (tall, dark and handsome) will do something in another four years.

Coming up: UN Secretary General post for Mrs Obama, two mini Nobels for Obama daughters and of course, a Canine Nobel for Bo.