Self-help, remove hunger and enhance nutrition, sanitation, access for education are the Award winning thoughts of Gandhi peace prize
New Delhi, February 26: President Ram Nath Kovind today conferred the Gandhi Peace Prize for 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 at a function in Rashtrapati Bhavan. Speaking on the occasion, the President said that Gandhian thinking, Gandhian modes of struggle and Gandhian ideals of achieving human liberty by conciliation, by appealing to the conscience of the opponent, have influenced some of the greatest of our age.
For 2015, Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari was given the award for its contribution in Rural Development, Education and Development of natural resources.
The organisation conducts Yoga classes, seminars, and rural development activities. The organisation constructed solid waste management and biogas plant in Mahabalipuram. Vivekananda Kendra is a Hindu spiritual organisation based on the principles preached by Swami Vivekananda. It was founded on 7 January 1972 in Kanyakumari, India by Eknath Ranade, a senior pracharak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present at the ceremony.
For 2018, Japan's Yohei Sasakawa was given the prize for his contribution to Leprosy Eradication in India and across the world.
About the institution-
Yohei Sasakawa is chairman of The Nippon Foundation, the World Health Organization Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination, and Japan's Ambassador for the Human Rights of People Affected by leprosy. As chairman of The Nippon Foundation, Japan's largest charitable foundation, he is seen as a pioneer in guiding public-interest activities by the private in modern Japan.
Ekal Abhiyan Trust has conferred the award for 2017 for its contribution in providing Education for Rural and Tribal Children in remote areas pan India, Rural Empowerment, Gender and Social Equality.
About the institution-
Ekal Vidyalaya is established in a village once a Gram Samiti is formed and takes the responsibility to monitor and support its activities. This brings the local ownership and involvement of the village community. Ekal Vidyalaya ensures five folds education in a village for children and whole village community including rural women, rural youth, farmers & panchayat.
For 2016, the award was presented jointly to Akshaya Patra Foundation for its contribution in providing mid-day meals to millions of children across India and Sulabh International for its contribution in improving the condition of sanitation in India and emancipation of manual scavengers.
Madhu Pandit Das received the Award on behalf of Akshay Patra foundation.
Humbled to receive the prestigious Gandhi Peace Prize on behalf of the Akshaya Patra by the Rashtrapati bhavan conferred by President, Ram Nath Kovind. The institution informed on tweeter about the upcoming program.
The breakfast programme will be expanded to cover 5,000 children in schools run by the Greater Chennai Corporation in the next 2 months and 20,000 children from the next academic year.
We would like to thank the Government of Tamil Nadu for championing this initiative.
Sulabh International is a social service organization that works to promote human rights, environmental sanitation, non-conventional sources of energy, waste management and social reforms through education. The organization counts 50,000 volunteers.[1] Sulabh International is the largest nonprofit organization in India.