Gandhi Peace Prize 2020 conferred on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
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New Delhi, Mar 23: The Gandhi Peace Prize for the year 2020 is being conferred on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The Gandhi Peace Prize is an annual award instituted by Govt of India since 1995, with the current year being celebrated as 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 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. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Om Birla and Founder of Sulabh International Social Service Organization, Bindeshwar Pathak are also part of the jury.
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 honored to be commemorating his legacy jointly with the Govt 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.
At the same time, the Ministry of Culture also announced that the Gandhi Peace Prize for the year 2019 is being conferred on (Late) Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said of Oman. 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.
Sultan Qaboos was the architect of the special ties between India and Oman. He had studied in India and always maintained a special relationship with India. Under his leadership, India and Oman became strategic partners and our mutually beneficial, comprehensive partnership strengthened and scaled newer heights. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had recalled the contribution of Sultan Qaboos to India-Oman ties when he passed away ,by saying that he was “a true friend of India and provided strong leadership for developing a strategic partnership between India and Oman”. Prime Minister had also remembered him as 'visionary leader and statesman' and a “beacon of peace for our region and the world.”