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The Gandhi Peace Prize for 2021 has been awarded to Gita Press, Gorakhpur.
Important Points:-
- Instituted by the Government of India in 1995, the Gandhi Peace Prize is an annual award that pays tribute to the ideals propagated by Mahatma Gandhi, commemorating his 125th Birth Anniversary.
- This prestigious award is open to individuals of all nationalities, races, languages, castes, creeds, and genders.
- The recipient of the award receives a sum of Rs. 1 crore, along with a citation, a plaque, and an exquisite traditional handicraft or handloom item.
- The decision to grant the prize to Gita Press was met with criticism from the Congress party, labeling it a “travesty.” Gita Press
- Gita Press in Gorakhpur was honored with the Gandhi Peace Prize for 2021 in recognition of its exceptional contribution to social, economic, and political transformation through non-violent and other Gandhian methods.
- Established in 1923, Gita Press is one of the world’s largest publishers, with a staggering 41.7 crore books published in 14 languages, including 16.21 crore copies of the Shrimad Bhagvad Gita.
- A noteworthy aspect of Gita Press’s operation is that it has never relied on advertisements for revenue generation in its publications.
- The institution, along with its affiliated organizations, is dedicated to improving the quality of life and the overall well-being of all individuals.
- Prime Minister highlighted Gita Press’s efforts in promoting the ideals of peace and social harmony inspired by Mahatma Gandhi.
- He emphasized that awarding the Gandhi Peace Prize to Gita Press, coinciding with its completion of a hundred years, is a recognition of the institution’s significant contributions in community service.
- The Gandhi Peace Prize 2021 acknowledges the remarkable and unparalleled contributions of Gita Press in advancing the collective upliftment of humanity, truly exemplifying Gandhian principles in action.
- Past recipients of this prestigious award include notable organizations like ISRO and Ramakrishna Mission.