A Nobel Prize for the rescuers of Thai children? Why not?

Readers write in with views on the rescue of Thai children, the weather disaster Japan and preserving libraries

CHIANG RAI, THAILAND - JUNE 27: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO SALES. NO ARCHIVING) An undated handout photo released by the Royal Thai Navy on June 27 shows a group of Thai Navy divers in the Tham Luang cave during rescue operations in Chiang Rai, Thailand. Thai Navy SEALs confirmed on Tuesday that the 12 boys, aged 11 to 16, and their 25-year-old coach have now all been extracted safely 17 days after they got trapped underground alive in a cave in northern the Thailand. The boys of the Wild Boars soccer team and their coach are to spend at least a week in a hospital in Chiang Rai Province and remain under observation due to a risk of rare infections. (Photo by Thai Navy SEAL via Getty Images)
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I refer to Jacob Goldberg's report Scenes of jubilation after final boys rescued from Thai cave (July 11). The celebrations are surely due. Congratulations to all the rescue mission members for rescuing the trapped children and their coach out of the flooded cave. This is a titanic achievement, made possible by cooperation between various professionals, countries and governments with brilliant ground leadership.

The Quran says, “And whoever saves a life, it is as though he had saved the lives of all men.” The brave divers who went to save the children have rendered a great service to humankind. They deserve the highest awards that the government of Thailand and their own governments can bestow on them. They will, of course, have our prayers and gratitude.

A special word of gratitude to the British cave diving experts, John Volanthen and Richard Stanton, for first locating and reaching the Thai children in the cave. They should be considered for the Nobel Prize for Peace. My simple logic is, the Nobel Peace Prize is given for ensuring peace. These two British divers have helped saved 13 human beings and brought peace to their families and to their country. Equally important, they have proved that people across the world can forge together to resolve crises. Why should only politicians garner peace prizes? Even ordinary individuals who contribute to peace should be honoured.

Rajendra Aneja, Dubai

Pray for Japan

I write in response to the article Japan rescuers go house to house as flood toll hits 156 (July 10). After three decades, Japan witnessed some of the deadliest rains we've seen in decades and the loss of lives stands at 156. I pray for the return of normalcy, for the souls of the departed and for speedy success of rescue operations. This is a sad state of affairs.

K Ragavan, Denver

It is the responsibility of every generation to save libraries

It was a pleasure reading your editorial The rescue of the Old Library is a moment to rejoice (July 9).  In this digital age, keeping a library intact is certainly of great value and speaks of a respect for tradition and the rich past of any nation. Being a strong believer that printed books should never disappear, despite a strong digital influence, I feel it is the responsibility of every generation to maintain them in the appropriate way. Emaar's decision to house the Old Library was an absolute gift for the youngsters today and they do have a role in preserving it for the next generation.

The habit of reading fosters hope for a better tomorrow, and learning from the history and historians can help influence youngsters a lot in designing a future that offers dignity and pride for every individual in the country.

Ramachandran Nair, Oman