India confers Gandhi Peace Prize to Ex-Bangladesh president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman

New Delhi: India on Monday conferred the 2020 Gandhi Peace Prize to former Bangladesh president Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

“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 Prize for the year 2020, in recognition of his outstanding contributions towards social, economic and political transformation through non-violent and other Gandhian methods,” the government said in a statement.

The Jury for Gandhi Peace Prize is chaired by Prime Minister 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 Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Sulabh International Social Service Organization founder Bindeshwar Pathak.

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

The Prime Minister recently 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.

Bangladesh is this year celebrating 101 birth anniversary of Bangabandhu. “As Bangladesh celebrates Mujib Borsho, India is honoured to be commemorating his legacy jointly with the Government of Bangladesh and its people,” the statement added.

The Gandhi Peace Prize recognised the immense and unparalleled contribution of 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. (UNI)