Hrant vardanyan biography of albert einstein

After years of being what I called a die-hard Armenian, this year I went soft. Maybe it had to do with the pessimism I have towards the world in general; perhaps it finally crept into my sentiments of my Armenian heritage. Whatever the cause, I came down from the ladder of resolute nationalism, while my 18-year-old brother climbed up and has been going higher every passing day.

I see in him who I used to be: dedicated to the struggle of justice for the Armenian Genocide, supporting any anti-government protestor in the streets of Yerevan, and a convinced believer in the unique greatness of these unique Armenians. It is not that I have lost my commitments to these ideals. I have only changed my perceptions of them, and with the changed perceptions, I have re-evaluated my approach to them.

He, along with the rest of my family and close friends, believe me to have fallen away from my Armenian roots, due to my “supposed” constant critique of Armenians, gloomy assessments of Armenia (though I correct that it’s a realistic assessment), and my unorthodox presentation of Armenian culture. Thus to them, my behavior has been highlighting the norms that are uncommon—or, to an extent unwanted—in our traditional communities. I use the word “traditional” in the sense of what socio-political ideas are dominant.

This past summer, while in Armenia, I decided to wash my hands clean of the country and return in 10 years. The rising poverty, evident unemployment, and degradation of justice had made me heavily disillusioned.

I saw how Armenia has been reduced to a simple breeze on the international arena, where Russia pulls strings comfortably from Moscow or the EU threatens our political reforms from Brussels. It is then you realize that Armenia—as a state, not a country—is a failure that hasn’t produced a single worthy contribution to the world; it has only given emigration. The oligarchs have hijacked the government for their personal benefit, and the opposition is so pat

So much of the 100 LIVES initiative is about gratitude – we tell stories of people who lived through unspeakable evil thanks to the heroic acts of others. We believe that kindness must be recognized and rewarded, and with the World Humanitarian Day upon us, here is a list of prizes established specifically for that purpose.

1. The Nobel Peace Prize

The Nobel Peace Prize, as well as other Nobel Prizes, was created by the Swedish armaments manufacturer turned philanthropist Alfred Nobel. The award is given annually to individuals who have "done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses.” The task of selecting the winner is assigned to the Norwegian Nobel Committee, members of which are appointed directly by the Parliament of Norway.

Despite its peaceful name, the prize has been the subject of many controversies, mostly due to its political nature.

Notable winners: Mother Teresa, Oscar Arias

2. The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought

The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, or simply The Sakharov Prize, is named after Soviet nuclear physicist Andrei Sakharov. It was established by the European Parliament in 1988. The goal of the prize is to honor individuals who are committed to the defense of human rights and freedom of thought. The candidates for the shortlist are chosen by the European Committee on Foreign Affairs and the European Committee on Development. The prize has also been awarded to organizations, the first being the Argentine Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo in 1992.

Some Sakharov laureates still face harsh political oppression.

Notable winners: Nelson Mandela, Kofi Annan

3. The Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity

The Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity is a new global award that will be given annually to people who put themselves at risk to enab