Govt confers Gandhi Peace Prize for last four years, PM Modi congratulates winners

The government on Wednesday announced the names of the winners of the Gandhi Peace Prize for 2015-2018, which were last conferred to the Indian Space Research Organisation in 2014.

The annual award, however, had not seen any winner since then.

It is given to individuals and institutions for their contribution towards social, economic and political transformation through non-violence and other Gandhian methods.

The 2018 Gandhi Peace Prize was awarded to Yohei Sasakawa for their role in leprosy eradication.

Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari won the award for 2015 for rural development and education, while for 2016, the award has been jointly given to Akshaya Patra Foundation for providing mid-day meals to children across the country and Sulabh International for its work towards emancipation of manual scavengers, a release from the ministry said.

In 2017, the award was given to Ekai Abhiyan Trust for their contribution to education for rural and tribal children.

The decision to confer these awards was taken at a meeting of the jury which included Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge and L K Advani Wednesday.

The award was instituted in 1995 during the commemoration of 125th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and is to be given annually.

In a series of tweets, PM Narendra Modi  congratulated philanthropist Yohei Sasakawa, Vivekananda Kendra, Ekal Abhiyan Trust, Akshay Patra and Sulabh International.

Individuals like Mr. Yohei Sasakawa motivate millions of people. He is at the forefront of many philanthropic initiatives.

His compassionate nature can be seen in the manner in which he’s worked to eliminate leprosy.

Congratulations to him for the Gandhi Peace Prize, 2018.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 16, 2019

Education is a strong means to empowerment and Ekal Abhiyan Trust is working in remote areas, so that children from tribal families get the opportunity to study.

Their role in furthering women empowerment is laudatory.

Congratulations to them for the Gandhi Peace Prize, 2017.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 16, 2019

The Sulabh International family has added immense strength to the Swachh Bharat movement.

This is a team that is working constantly at the grassroots level to realise Bapu’s dream of a clean India.

I congratulate Sulabh International for the Gandhi Peace Prize, 2016.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 16, 2019

The Akshaya Patra Foundation’s determined efforts ensure nutritious meals for many.

Their outstanding work has also ensured more children go to school.

I congratulate them for the Gandhi Peace Prize, 2016. @AkshayaPatra

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 16, 2019

The Vivekananda Kendra is doing commendable work towards the development of our villages.

Their initiatives to improve education and community service have touched several lives, particularly youngsters.

I congratulate @vkendra for the Gandhi Peace Prize, 2015.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 16, 2019

The award carries an award of Rs one crore, a citation a plaque and a handicraft item.

(With PTI Inputs)