Gita Press, Gorakhpur, an esteemed institution with a century-old history, dedicated to the publication of Hindu religious texts and propagation of Gandhian principles of peace and societal harmony, has been honoured with the prestigious Gandhi Peace Prize for 2021. The commendation was declared by the Government of India’s Ministry of Culture.
Gandhi Peace Prize: An Overview
The Gandhi Peace Prize Awards were established in 1995, marking the 125th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. This award serves as a tribute to his fundamental beliefs and invaluable contributions to humankind, extending beyond social, economic, and political transformation through non-violence.
The prize carries a weighty reward of Rs 1 crore, accompanied by a citation, a plaque, and a traditional handicraft or handloom item. The accolade is conferred by the President of India in a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Eligibility and Selection for the Award
The Gandhi Peace Prize is awarded to individuals, associations, institutions, or organizations that have displayed a selfless commitment to peace, non-violence, and the alleviation of human suffering. The award does not discriminate on the basis of nationality, race, language, caste, creed, or gender. The award can be shared between two equally deserving candidates or entities in a given year, as determined by the jury which is headed by the Prime Minister. However, the work of deceased individuals cannot be considered unless death has occurred after the submission proposal, which may lead to a posthumous award.
Past Laureates: A Look Back
Previous awardees include reputed organizations such as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Ramakrishna Mission, Bangladesh’s Grameen Bank, Vivekananda Kendra, Akshaya Patra, and Ekal Abhiyan Trust along with Sulabh International. Prominent luminaries like Nelson Mandela, Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said of Oman (2019), and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman of Bangladesh (2020) have also been recipients.
Gita Press: An Historical Publisher of Hindu Texts
Established in 1923 by Jaya Dayal Goyandka and Hanuman Prasad Poddar, Gita Press holds the distinction of being one of the largest publishers globally of Hindu religious texts. The press has published an impressive 41.7 crore books in 14 languages, including 16.21 crore copies of Shrimad Bhagvad Gita.
In addition to its publishing work, Gita Press also releases a monthly magazine called Kalyan, which discusses spirituality, culture, history, ethics, and morality. It administers a charitable hospital named Kalyan Chikitsalaya in Gorakhpur, offering free medical services to the less fortunate.
Connection to Mahatma Gandhi
UPSC Civil Services Examination aspirants and enthusiasts may find the following previous year questions interesting. One question asks about the author of ‘Songs from Prison’, with the correct answer being Mahatma Gandhi. Another question explores the correctness of statements relating to Mahatma Gandhi’s role during British colonial rule in India.