INDIRA GANDHI PEACE PRIZE

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Context: The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2023 has been awarded jointly to Daniel Barenboim and Ali Abu Awwad for their efforts in promoting peace and understanding between Israel and the Arab world.

Details

• The joint awarding of the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development to Daniel Barenboim and Ali Abu Awwad is a recognition of their significant contributions to fostering peace and understanding in the Middle East, particularly in the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Daniel Barenboim

• Barenboim is an internationally acclaimed classical pianist and conductor known for his performances with leading orchestras worldwide.
• His partnership with Palestinian literary scholar Edward Said influenced his vision for a peaceful resolution of the Israel-Palestinian conflict through respect, discourse, and dialogue.
• He founded the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra and the Barenboim-Said Akademie to bring together youth from Israel, Palestine, and other Arab and North African countries, fostering unity and understanding through music.
• He has received various awards, including the Great Cross of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Prince of Asturias Awards, and the Commander of the Legion of Honour.

Ali Abu Awwad

• Awwad is an eminent Palestinian peace activist dedicated to a non-violent resolution of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
• Born in 1972 into a politically active refugee family, Awwad's commitment to non-violence was solidified during a 17-day hunger strike he and his mother undertook while he was in prison.
• In 2014, Awwad co-founded Roots, a local Palestinian-Israeli initiative promoting understanding, non-violence, and transformation.
• Awwad's peace-building efforts led to the creation of Taghyeer, a Palestinian non-violence movement launched by over 3,000 Palestinians in 2016. It focuses on social development needs and advocates for a non-violent path to end the Occupation.
• He believes in non-violence as a means to practice humanity and achieve peace by accepting differences and respecting each other's rights.

Indira Gandhi Peace Prize

• The Indira Gandhi Peace Prize, also known as the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development.
• It is a prestigious award given by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust every year to individuals or organisations that have made outstanding contributions to promoting international peace, development and a new international economic order; ensuring that scientific discoveries are used for the larger good of humanity, and enlarging the scope of freedom.
• The prize was instituted in 1986 in memory of Indira Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India, who was assassinated in 1984.
• The prize carries a cash award of 2.5 million Indian rupees and a citation.
• The panel constituted by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust consists of prominent national and international personalities including previous recipients. The recipients are chosen from a pool of national and international nominees.

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Indira Gandhi Peace Prize: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/indira-gandhi-peace-prize

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Why was Daniel Barenboim awarded the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development for 2023? A) For his contributions to music B) For his efforts in nuclear disarmament C) For promoting peace and understanding between Israel and the Arab world D) For his work in environmental conservation Answer: C Explanation: Daniel Barenboim was awarded for his efforts in promoting peace and understanding between Israel and the Arab world.