The Peace NobelThe decision to confer the Nobel Peace Prize for 2025 on María Corina Machado is both vindication and rebuke. Forced into exile for challenging Venezuela’s authoritarian regime, she symbolises the moral courage of dissent that speaks truth to power. Her recognition underscores the global yearning for democracy in regions where elections are mere rituals of control.Donald Trump’s self-advocacy for the same honour comes as a paradox. His near-authoritarian style, threats to annex Canada and Greenland, and unilateral strikes on Iran, Yemen and Venezuela, all in the name of democracy, are far removed from concepts that go to shape the profile of a candidate for the prize. Ms. Machado’s sacrifice and Mr. Trump’s worldview are poles apart.R. Narayanan,Navi MumbaiAt a time when some circles were blatantly promoting the U.S. President, Donald Trump, for the same honour, the Nobel Committee’s choice sends a clear message to the world — that peace is earned through sacrifice and steadfast commitment to justice, and not through power or publicity.Gopalaswamy J.,ChennaiThe historian from MadrasIt was moving to read about the illustrious but short life of C. Minatshi (‘Tamil Nadu InFocus’ page, October 10). As the first woman to receive a doctorate in history from the University of Madras in 1936, it was enlightening to know that she became “the greatest woman scholar that India has yet produced”.K. Chellappan,Seattle, U.S.Published - October 11, 2025 12:24 am IST