As Bangladesh celebrates Mujib Borsho, India today announced that the Gandhi Peace Prize for 2020 is being conferred on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in recognition of his contribution towards social, economic and political transformation through non-violent and other Gandhian methods.

The Jury for Gandhi Peace Prize, an annual award instituted by Government of India since 1995 – the 125th Birth Anniversary commemoration year of Mahatma Gandhi, had met on March 19 under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It comprises two ex-officio members, namely the Chief Justice of India and leader of the single largest opposition party in Lok Sabha. Two eminent members – Om Birla, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, and Bindeshwar Pathak, founder of Sulabh International Social Service Organization – are also part of the Jury.

PM Modi 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.

The past awardees include luminaries like Dr. Julius Nyerere, Former President of Tanzania; Dr. Gerhard Fischer, Federal Republic of Germany; Ramakrishna Mission; Baba Amte (Murlidhar Devidas Amte); Late Dr. Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa; Grameen Bank of Bangladesh; Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa; 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 Yohei Sasakawa, Japan (2018).

The award carries an amount of Rs one crore, a citation, a plaque andan exquisite traditional handicraft/ handloom item.

Bangladesh is currently celebrating the centennial birth anniversary of the founding leader of Bangladesh and India is commemorating his legacy jointly with the neighbouring country 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.

Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accepted Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina's invite to visit Bangladesh on Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's birth centenary. Modi will be travelling to Dhaka on March 26, his first visit to a foreign country since the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic last year.