GANDHI PEACE PRIZE
1. Context
Gita Press was selected for the Gandhi Peace Prize 2021 for its outstanding contribution to social, economic and political transformation through non-violent and Gandhian methods.
2. About Gandhi Peace Prize
The Gandhi Peace Prize is an esteemed award presented by the Government of India in recognition of individuals or organizations who have made remarkable contributions to social, economic, and political transformation through non-violence and Gandhian principles.
Establishment and Purpose
The Gandhi Peace Prize was established in 1995 on the occasion of the 125th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The purpose of this award is to recognize and honour individuals or organizations that have worked towards promoting peace, non-violence, and harmony.
Selection Process
The recipient of the Gandhi Peace Prize is chosen by a jury headed by the Prime Minister of India. The jury members evaluate the nominations and select the most deserving candidate based on their contributions and impact on society.
Criteria for Selection
The award is conferred upon individuals or institutions that have demonstrated exceptional contributions to peace-building, conflict resolution, social upliftment, and welfare.
The emphasis is on the use of non-violent methods and adherence to Gandhian principles.
Significance
The Gandhi Peace Prize holds great significance as it symbolizes the ideals and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi an advocate of non-violence. It serves as a platform to acknowledge and celebrate the efforts of individuals and organizations that have actively worked towards promoting peace and harmony.
Previous Recipients
The Gandhi Peace Prize has been awarded to numerous individuals and institutions who have made substantial contributions to various fields. Some notable recipients include Nelson Mandela, Julius Nyerere, Vaclav Havel, Grameen Bank (Bangladesh), and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).
3. Founding of Gita Press
- Established officially in 1923 by Jaydayal Goyandka, a religious Marwari businessman.
- Inspired by discussions on religious texts, especially the Bhagavad Gita, during his business travels.
- Unable to find an authentic translation, Goyandka decided to start his own publishing house.
- Ghanshyamdas Jalan, a friend from Gorakhpur, offered to set up the press.
4. Gita Press takes off with Kalyan
- In 1926, Gita Press gained prominence with the launch of its monthly magazine, Kalyan.
- First exclusive monthly journal devoted to Hinduism and Played a significant role in sociopolitical developments
- Contributed to the consolidation of Hindi as a language of Hindus and Acted as a vehicle to spread Hindu nationalist ideas during a period of political nationalism.
5. Cultivating the feeling of being Hindu
- Kalyan, along with affordable and high-quality editions of Hindu religious texts, established Gita Press as a vital institution in modern Hinduism and Hindu nationalism.
- Successfully reconciled reformist and traditionalist organizations within the Hindu community.
- Focused on emotional cultivation and providing a point of reference for Hindus as a whole.
6. Gita Press today
- One of the world's largest publishers and the only indigenous publishing enterprise from colonial India that thrives in the 21st century.
- Publishes books in 15 languages, including English, Urdu, and Nepali.
- Operates through 20 retail outlets and over 2500 booksellers worldwide.
- Experienced growth during the pandemic despite challenges faced by publishers globally.
- Sold over 2.40 crore books in the financial year 2022-23, generating nearly Rs 111 crore in revenue.
- High demand for publications such as Ramcharitmanas and Kalyan.
7. Conclusion
- Gita Press's recognition through the Gandhi Peace Prize highlights its significant contributions to society.
- Continues to promote and spread the principles of Sanatana Dharma through its subsidized publications.
- Upholds its principles by accepting the citation but declining the cash award.
- Gita Press remains a leading publisher, enriching the lives of millions with its extensive collection of religious books and magazines.
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For Prelims: Gita Press, Gandhi Peace Prize, Sanatana Dharma, Kalyan magazine, Nelson Mandela, Julius Nyerere, Vaclav Havel, Grameen Bank (Bangladesh), the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Bhagavad Gita, Gandhian principles, Ramcharitmanas,
For Mains:
1. Assess the influence of Gita Press in the growth and development of Hindi as a language and its role in strengthening Hindu identity in colonial and post-colonial India. (250 words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. The Gandhi Peace Prize Carries an amount of Rs. __________. (OSSC CGL 2022)
A.1 crore B. 5 crores C. 2 crores D. 50 Lakhs
Answer: A
2. Which one of the following is correctly matched? (UPPSC Combined State Exam 2022)
A. Radhaswami Satsang - Lahore
B. Bharat Dharma Mahamandal - Delhi
C. Sanatan Dharma Rakshini Sabha - Calcutta
D. Deva Samaj - Banaras
Answer: C
3. Nelson Mandela was the President of- (JVVNL Technical Helper 2013)
A. Nigeria B. Tanzania C. Zimbabwe D. Ethiopia E. South Africa
Answer: E
4. Who received the prestigious Mahatma Gandhi International Peace Award for ‘Peace and Reconciliation in 2013? (KVS PRT 2013)
A. Vaclav Havel B. Brigalia Bam C. Nelson Mandela D. None of these
Answer: B
5. Who is the founder of Grameen Bank? (SSC GD 2019)
A. Muhammad Yunus B. Abdullah Abu Sayed C. Anu Muhammad D. Atiur Rahman
Answer: A
6. Grameen Bank of Bangladesh was formed in the year _________ . (ICAR Technician 2022)
A. 1983 B. 1970 C. 1981 D. 1976
Answer: A
7. The first regional rural bank set up in India was _____________. (SSC CHSL 2022)
A. Grameen Bank B. Aarohan Bank C. Prathama Grameen Bank D. Vikas Bank
Answer: C
8. The Regional Rural Banks were established on the recommendations of the ______ on Rural Credit. (SSC CGL 2022)
A. Rekhi Committee
B. Narsimha Committee
C. Kelkar Committee
D. Tandon Committee
Answer: B
9. Which one of the following is main teaching of Gita? (CGPSC Civil Service 2017)
A. Karma yoga B. Gyan yoga C. Bhakti yoga D. Nishkama Karma yoga
E. Asparsha yoga
Answer: D
10. Bhagavad Gita was said to have been compiled by ______. (HSSC Group D 2018)
A. Shankaracharya B. Madvacharya C. Veda Vyasa D. Vallabhacharya
Answer: C
11. Geeta is (REET 2011)
A. Veda B. Independent epic C. a part of Ramayana D. a part of Mahahbharata
Answer: D
12. The Gandhian Principles or Philosophy have been enumerated in the: (OPSC OAS 2019)
A. Fundamental Rights B. Preamble
C. Directive Principles of State Policy D. Fundamental Duties
Answer: C
13. Tulsidas was the author of (UPSC CAPF 2020)
1. Ramcharitmanas
2. Padavali
3. Kavitavali
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1, 2 and 3 D. 1 and 3 only
Answer: D
14. Tulsidas's Ramcharitmanas was written in (CTET 2021)
A. Sanskrit B. Hindustani C. Brijbhasha D. Awadhi
Answer: D
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Source: The Indian Express
