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Gandhi Peace Prize for Year 2020 announced

Published By : Admin | March 22, 2021 | 21:37 IST

The Gandhi Peace Prize for the year 2020 is being conferred on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.Gandhi Peace Prize is an annual award instituted by Government of India since 1995, the 125th Birth Anniversary commemoration year of Mahatma Gandhi. The award is open to all persons regardless of nationality, race, language, caste, creed or sex.

The Jury for Gandhi Peace Prize is chaired by Hon’ble Prime Minister, Sh Narendra Modi ,and comprises of two ex-officio members, namely the Chief Justice of India and Leader of the single largest Opposition Party in Lok Sabha. Two eminent members are also part of the Jury, namely Shri Om Birla, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, and Shri Bindeshwar Pathak, Founder of Sulabh International Social Service Organization.

The Jury met on 19th March, 2021 and after due deliberations, unanimously decided to select Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the recipient of the Gandhi Peace Prizefor the year 2020, in recognition of hisoutstanding contributionstowards social, economic and political transformation through non-violent and other Gandhian methods.

The past awardees include luminaries like Dr. Julius Nyerere, Former President of Tanzania; Dr. Gerhard Fischer, Federal Republic of Germany; Ramakrishna Mission; Baba Amte (Shri MurlidharDevidasAmte); Late Dr. Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa; Grameen Bank of Bangladesh; Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa; Shri 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 Shri Yohei Sasakawa, Japan(2018).

The award carries an amount of Rs. 1 crore, a citation, a plaque andan exquisite traditional handicraft/ handloom item.

PM Modi has said that Bangabandhu was a champion of human rights and freedom, and is a hero to Indians as well. He also said that 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.

As Bangladesh celebrates Mujib Borsho, India is honoured to be commemorating his legacy jointly with the Government of Bangladesh and its people.

The Gandhi Peace Prize recognizes the immense and unparalleled contribution of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in inspiring the liberation of Bangladesh, bringing stability to a nation born out of strife, laying the foundation for the close and fraternal relations between India and Bangladesh, and promoting peace and non-violence in the Indian subcontinent.

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PM Modi addressed a public rally in Nadia, West Bengal through video conferencing after being unable to attend the programme physically due to adverse weather conditions. He sought forgiveness from the people, stating that dense fog made it impossible for the helicopter to land safely. Earlier today, the PM also laid the foundation stone and inaugurated development works in Ranaghat, a major way forward towards West Bengal’s growth story.

The PM expressed deep grief over a mishap involving BJP karyakartas travelling to attend the rally. He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

PM Modi said that Nadia is the sacred land where Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the embodiment of love, compassion and devotion, manifested himself. He noted that the chants of Harinaam Sankirtan that once echoed across villages and along the banks of the Ganga were not merely expressions of devotion, but a powerful call for social unity.

He highlighted the immense contribution of the Matua community in strengthening social harmony, recalling the teachings of Shri Harichand Thakur, the social reform efforts of Shri Guruchand Thakur, and the motherly compassion of Boro Maa. He bowed to all these revered figures for their lasting impact on society.

The PM said that Bengal and the Bengali language have made invaluable contributions to India’s history and culture, with Vande Mataram being one of the nation’s most powerful gifts. He noted that the country is marking 150 years of Vande Mataram and that Parliament has recently paid tribute to this iconic song. He said West Bengal is the land of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, whose creation of Vande Mataram awakened national consciousness during the freedom struggle.

He stressed that Vande Mataram should inspire a Viksit Bharat and awaken the spirit of a Viksit West Bengal, adding that this sacred idea forms the BJP’s roadmap for the state.

PM Modi said BJP-led governments are focused on policies that enhance the strength and capabilities of every citizen. He cited the GST Savings Festival as an example, noting that essential goods were made affordable, enabling families in West Bengal to celebrate Durga Puja and other festivals with joy.

He also highlighted major investments in infrastructure, mentioning the approval of two important highway projects that will improve connectivity between Kolkata and Siliguri and strengthen regional development.

The PM said the nation wants fast-paced development and referred to Bihar’s recent strong mandate in favour of the BJP-NDA. He recalled stating that the Ganga flows from Bihar to Bengal and that Bihar has shown the path for BJP’s victory in West Bengal as well.

He said that while Bihar has decisively rejected jungle raj, West Bengal must now free itself from what he described as Maha Jungle Raj. Referring to the popular slogan, he said the state is calling out, “Bachte Chai, BJP Tai.”

The PM emphasised that there is no shortage of funds, intent or schemes for West Bengal’s development, but alleged that projects worth thousands of crores are stalled due to corruption and commissions. He appealed to the people to give BJP a chance and form a double-engine government to witness rapid development.

He cautioned people to remain alert against what he described as TMC’s conspiracies, alleging that the party is focused on protecting infiltrators. He said that whenever BJP raises concerns over infiltration, TMC leaders respond with abuse, which also explains their opposition to SIR in West Bengal.

Concluding his address, PM Modi said West Bengal needs a BJP government that works at double speed to restore the state’s pride. He assured that he would speak in greater detail about BJP’s vision when he visits the state in person.