The Government of India conferred Gandhi Peace Prize on (Late) His Majesty Sultan Qaboos of Sultanate of Oman for the year 2019, and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman for the year 2020.
Instituted by Government of India in 1995, the Award marks the 125th birth anniversary commemoration year of Mahatma Gandhi.
The Award jury for Gandhi Peace Prize constituted Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Chair), and two ex-officio members – the Chief Justice of India and Leader of the single largest Opposition Party in the Lok Sabha. Also part of the Jury is the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Om Birla and Founder of Sulabh International Social Service Organisation, Bindeshwar Pathak.
The Gandhi Peace Prize for the year 2019 has been conferred on Sultanate of Oman’s late ruler Sultan Qaboos for his outstanding contributions for social, economic, and political transformation through non-violent and other Gandhian methods.
Late Sultan Qaboos was a visionary leader whose twin policy of moderation and mediation in addressing international issues won him praise and respect across the globe. He played an important role in supporting peace efforts in various regional disputes and conflicts. He was the architect of the special ties between India and Oman. Under his leadership, India and Oman became strategic partners and their mutually beneficial, comprehensive partnership strengthened and scaled newer heights.
“A true friend of India and provided strong leadership for developing a strategic partnership between India and Oman … visionary leader and statesman, and beacon of peace for our region and the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had recalled when Sultan Qaboos passed away on January 10, 2020.
Gandhi Peace Prize recognizes the unparalleled vision and leadership of Late Sultan Qaboos in strengthening relations between India and Oman, and his efforts to promote peace and non-violence in the Gulf region.
BANGABANDHU SHEIKH MUJIBUR RAHMAN
As Bangladesh is celebrating Mujib Borsho, India honoured his legacy jointly with the Government of Bangladesh and its people by conferring with the Gandhi Peace Prize 2020.
“Bangabandhu was a champion of human rights and freedom, and is a hero to Indians as well. The legacy and inspiration of Bangabandhu has made the heritage of both countries more comprehensive and deep-rooted, and that the path shown by Bangabandhu has laid a strong foundation for the partnership, progress and prosperity of both countries over the last decade,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Past awardees of Gandhi Peace Prize
The past awardees include Dr Julius Nyerere, Former President of Tanzania; Dr Gerhard Fischer, Federal Republic of Germany; Ramakrishna Mission; Baba Amte (Shri Murlidhar Devidas Amte); Late Dr Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa; Grameen Bank of Bangladesh; Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa; Chandi Prasad Bhatt & Indian Space Research Organisation.
Recent awardees include Vivekananda Kendra, India (2015); Akshaya Patra Foundation, India, and Sulabh International (Jointly for 2016); Ekal Abhiyan Trust, India (2017) and Yohei Sasakawa, Japan (2018).
The award carries an amount of Rs 10 million, a citation, a plaque and an exquisite traditional handicraft or handloom item.