• UGI USER
  • Dec 15, 2023
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INDIRA GANDHI PEACE PRIZE WINNERS 2023

Why in the News?

Daniel Barenboim, along with peace activist Ali Abu Awwad, receives the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development for their efforts in promoting a non-violent resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Source: HT

About Indra Gandhi Peace prize :

  • The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development is a prestigious annual award honouring those who significantly contribute to global peace, disarmament, and development.
  • Established in 1986 by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust, the award recognizes outstanding efforts in three categories:
    • Peace,
    • Disarmament, and
  • An International Jury appointed by the Trust selects laureates based on sustained contributions addressing global challenges and positively impacting the international community, aligning with the vision of the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Contributions of Daniel Barenboim:

  • Renowned Pianist and Conductor:
  • Argentine-born classical pianist and conductor.
  • Known for performing with leading orchestras globally.
  • Utilizes music to promote harmony in West Asia.
  • Initiatives:
  • Founded the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra and the Barenboim-Said Akademie.
  • Aims to unite youth from Israel, Palestine, and Arab countries through music, discourse, and dialogue.
  • Philosophy of Listening and Harmony:
  • Believes that making music involves listening to others and understanding its impact, fostering human relations.

Peace Activism by Ali Abu Awwad:

  • Palestinian Peace Activist:
  • Awwad, a Palestinian peace activist, dedicated to a peaceful resolution of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
  • Early Life and Activism:
  • Born in 1972, raised in a politically-active refugee family.
  • Undertook a 17-day hunger strike with his mother during imprisonment, achieving permission for a visit.
  • Shift to Non-Violent Action:
    • Realized the potential of non-violent action inspired by Gandhian principles.
    • Co-founded the Roots initiative in 2014, promoting understanding, non-violence, and transformation.
  • T’aghyeer Movement:
  • Led the creation of the T’aghyeer movement, a Palestinian non-violence initiative launched by over 3,000 Palestinians across the West Bank in September 2016.

Significance of Award:

  • The recognition of Barenboim and Awwad highlights the impact of cultural initiatives and non-violent activism in fostering peace.
  • Their contributions exemplify the potential for music, dialogue, and grassroots movements to bridge divides and work towards a harmonious resolution of conflicts.