The Gandhi Peace Prize, named after Mahatma Gandhi, is awarded annually by the Government of India.
As a tribute to the ideals espoused by Gandhi, the Government of India launched the International Gandhi Peace Prize in 1995 on the occasion of the 125th birth anniversary of Mohandas Gandhi. This is an annual award given to individuals and institutions for their contributions towards social, economic and political transformation through non-violence and other Gandhian methods. The award carries in cash, convertible in any currency in the world, a plaque and a citation. It is open to all persons regardless of nationality, race, creed or gender.
A jury consisting of the Prime Minister of India, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, the Chief Justice of India, Speaker of the Lok Sabha and two other eminent person appointed every three years eligible for reappointment decides the awardee each year.
Ordinarily, only proposals coming from competent persons invited to nominate are considered. However, a proposal is not taken as invalid for consideration by the jury merely on the ground of not having emanated from competent persons. If it is considered that none of the proposals merit recognition, the jury is free to withhold the award for that year; the award was withheld in the years from 2006 to 2012 inclusive. Only achievements within 10 years immediately preceding the nomination are considered for the award; an older work may, however, be considered if its significance has not become apparent until recently. A written work, to be eligible for consideration, should have been published.
Recipients Indicates a joint award for that year
Sl no Year Recipient Image Birth / death Country Description1 1995 Julius Nyerere 1922–1999 Julius Kambarage Nyerere was a Tanzanian politician who served as the leader of Tanzania, and previously Tanganyika, from 1960 until his retirement in 1985.2 1996 A. T. Ariyaratne 1931–2024 Founder of Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement3 1997 Gerhard Fischer 1921–2006 German diplomat, recognised for his work against leprosy and polio4 1998 Ramakrishna Mission (founded 1897) Founded by Swami Vivekananda for promoting social welfare, tolerance, and non-violence among disadvantaged groups5 1999 Baba AmteNarmada.org Retrieved 4 November 2006. 1914–2008 Social worker, known particularly for his work for the rehabilitation and empowerment of poor people suffering from leprosy6 2000 Nelson Mandela 1918–2013 Former President of South Africa Grameen Bank (founded 1983) Founded by Muhammad Yunus7 2001 John HumePress Information Bureau Website Retrieved 4 November 2006. 1937–2020 Northern Irish Politician and major figure in the Northern Ireland peace process8 2002 Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (founded 1938) Educational trust that emphasises Indian culture9 2003 Václav Havel 1936–2011 Last President of Czechoslovakia and first President of the Czech Republic10 2004 Coretta Scott King 1927–2006 Activist and civil rights leader.11 2005 Desmond TutuTutu to be honoured with Gandhi Peace Award Retrieved 11 November 2008. 1931–2021 South African cleric and activist.He was South African social rights activist and retired Anglican bishop who rose to worldwide fame during the 1980s as an opponent of apartheid.12 2013 Chandi Prasad Bhatt (born 1934) Environmentalist, social activist and pioneer of the Chipko movement. Founded Dasholi Gram Swarajya Sangh (DGSS) 13 2014 ISRO (founded 1969) Space agency of the Indian Govt. Objective is to advance space technology and deliver the applications of it142015Vivekananda Kendra(founded 1972)A Hindu spiritual organisation based on the principles preached by Swami Vivekananda15 2016Akshaya Patra Foundation(founded 2000)A non-profit organisation in India that runs school lunch programme across IndiaSulabh International(founded 1970)A social service organization that works to promote human rights, environmental sanitation, non-conventional sources of energy, waste management and social reforms through education.162017Ekal Vidyalaya(founded 1986)Contribution in providing Education for Rural and Tribal Children in remote areas pan India, Rural Empowerment, Gender and Social Equality.172018Yōhei Sasakawa (born 1939)For his contribution in Leprosy Eradication in India and across the world.182019Qaboos bin Said1940–2020For contributions for social, economic and political transformation through non-violent and other Gandhian methods.192020Sheikh Mujibur Rahman1920–1975For his contributions towards social, economic and political transformation through non-violent and other Gandhian methods.202021Gita Press(founded 1923)For outstanding contributions towards social, economic and political transformation through non-violent and other Gandhian methods.
See also Gandhi Memorial International Foundation Gandhi Peace Award Indira Gandhi Peace Prize List of peace activists Nobel Peace Prize Sakharov Prize
References