The Culture Ministry has announced that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the late Sultan of Oman, Qaboos bin Said Al Said, would be awarded the Gandhi Peace Prize for 2020 and 2019 respectively.

Note the features of the award such as prize, the composition of jury etc.

Gandhi Peace Prize

• The International Gandhi Peace Prize, named after Mahatma Gandhi, is awarded annually by the Government of India.
• As a tribute to the ideals espoused by Gandhi, the GoI launched the International Gandhi Peace Prize in 1995 on the occasion of the 125th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
• This is an annual award given to individuals and institutions for their contributions towards social, economic and political transformation through non-violence and other Gandhian methods.

Its features

• The award carries ₹1 crore (US$140,000) in cash, convertible in any currency in the world, a plaque and a citation.
• It is open to all persons regardless of nationality, race, creed or gender.
• A jury consisting of the PM of India, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, the Chief Justice of India, Speaker of the Lok Sabha and one other eminent person decides the awardees each year.
• Ordinarily, only proposals coming from competent persons invited to nominate are considered.
• However, a proposal is not taken as invalid for consideration by the jury merely on the ground of not having emanated from competent persons.

Information about the awardees

(1) Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (1920-1975)

• The Prize recognizes the immense and unparalleled contribution of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in inspiring the liberation of Bangladesh.
• It acknowledges the contribution in 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.

(2)Sultan Qaboos Bin Said (1940-2020)

• 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. H.M. 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.

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