Bangabandhu honored with Gandhi Peace Prize by Indian Govt

Indian government has decided to honour Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with the Mahatma Gandhi Peace Prize for the year 2020 "in recognition of his outstanding contribution to social, economic and political transformation through non-violent and other Gandhian methods," an official statement said today.

The jury for Gandhi Peace Prize is chaired by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and comprises of two ex-officio members, the Chief Justice of India and the Leader of the single largest Opposition Party in Lok Sabha.

Two eminent members are also part of the jury. They are Om Birla, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, and Bindeshwar Pathak, founder of Sulabh International Social Service Organisation.

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 one crore, a citation, a plaque and an exquisite traditional handicraft or 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.