Indira Gandhi Prize 2026: Advancing Peace, Disarmament and Human Welfare

Context

Graça Machel, a globally acclaimed humanitarian and champion of women’s rights from Mozambique, has been chosen for the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development, 2026.

Profile of the Recipient: Graça Machel is internationally recognised for her sustained efforts in peace advocacy, social justice, education reform, and the protection and empowerment of women and children.

Nature of the Indira Gandhi Prize: The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development is a prestigious international honour awarded every year to an individual or institution for exceptional and innovative contributions to world peace, nuclear disarmament, inclusive development, and human well-being.

Origin and Administration

Established: 1985
Founding Authority: Government of India
Managing Body: Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust, New Delhi
Underlying Rationale: Instituted to honour Indira Gandhi’s global outlook, particularly her advocacy of peace, non-alignment, and fairness in international affairs.

Guiding Principles of the Prize

Global Harmony: Advancement of international peace and reduction of nuclear threats.
Developmental Equity: Promotion of balanced and inclusive global growth with focus on South–South cooperation.
Human-Centric Values: Strengthening human dignity, freedom, and social justice worldwide.
Knowledge for Good: Encouraging science and technology for societal welfare rather than military dominance.
Diplomatic Philosophy: Closely aligned with India’s post-independence foreign policy and leadership within the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

Qualification Norms

Who May Receive: Individuals or organisations.
Eligibility Conditions: No bar based on nationality, ethnicity, religion, or gender; nominations limited to living persons.

Authorised Nominators

Members of Parliament, former prize recipients, jury members, eminent national or international institutions, and legislators from UN member countries.

Decision-Making Mechanism

Selecting Panel: International Jury
Panel Size: Between 5 and 9 members
Method: Collective consensus
Authority: Verdict is conclusive and non-appealable
Discretionary Power: Jury may split the award or defer it if no deserving nominee is identified.

Components of the Honour

Monetary Value: ₹10 million (₹1 crore) or equivalent in foreign exchange
Other Elements: An official citation and a Haematite Jasper trophy (stone used at Shakti Sthal) carrying a silver-framed Jaipur miniature portrait of Indira Gandhi.
Financial Backing: Endowment funded by the Government of India.
Periodicity: Awarded annually.

Source : The Hindu