The Gandhi Peace Prize is an international award instituted by the Government of India to honor individuals and institutions for their contributions to social, economic, and political transformation through non-violence and peaceful means. Established in 1995 on the occasion of the 125th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the prize recognizes the enduring legacy of Gandhi’s philosophy of peace, non-violence, and social justice.
Objectives and Significance:
- Promotion of Peace and Non-violence: The Gandhi Peace Prize aims to promote the principles of peace, non-violence, and social harmony espoused by Mahatma Gandhi.
- Recognition of Humanitarian Contributions: The award honors individuals and institutions that have made significant contributions to peace-building, conflict resolution, and social justice through non-violent means.
- Inspiration for Global Change: By recognizing exemplary efforts in promoting peace and non-violence, the prize inspires individuals and organizations around the world to work towards positive social change and human advancement.
Criteria and Eligibility:
- Eligible candidates for the Gandhi Peace Prize include individuals, institutions, organizations, or movements that have made outstanding contributions to peace-building, non-violence, and social justice.
- The award considers contributions across a wide range of areas, including conflict resolution, human rights advocacy, environmental protection, poverty alleviation, and promotion of interfaith harmony.
- Candidates are evaluated based on the impact, scope, and sustainability of their efforts in advancing the cause of peace and non-violence, as well as their adherence to the principles of Gandhian philosophy.
Selection Process:
- The selection process for the Gandhi Peace Prize is overseen by a jury comprising eminent personalities, scholars, and experts appointed by the Government of India.
- The jury evaluates the contributions and achievements of eligible candidates based on established criteria and guidelines.
- The final selection is made based on consensus among jury members, taking into account the recommendations of experts, stakeholders, and relevant organizations.
Awards and Honors:
- Recipients of the Gandhi Peace Prize receive a prestigious trophy, a citation, and a cash prize in recognition of their outstanding contributions to peace, non-violence, and social justice.
- The award ceremony is typically held annually on the occasion of the International Day of Non-violence, celebrated on October 2nd, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
Notable Recipients:
- The Gandhi Peace Prize has been conferred upon numerous esteemed individuals, institutions, and movements from around the world, including:
- Julius Nyerere (Former President of Tanzania)
- Nelson Mandela (Former President of South Africa)
- Grameen Bank and Muhammad Yunus (Bangladesh)
- Sulabh International (India)
- Ramakrishna Mission (India)
- International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
Impact and Legacy:
- The Gandhi Peace Prize celebrates and honors the enduring legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and his philosophy of peace, non-violence, and social justice.
- It serves as a platform for recognizing and promoting the values of peace, harmony, and human dignity, inspiring individuals and organizations to emulate Gandhi’s principles in their efforts to build a better world.
- The award contributes to raising awareness about the importance of non-violence, compassion, and ethical leadership in addressing contemporary global challenges and advancing the cause of peace and sustainable development.
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