| No peace prize for world peace icon |
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Mahatmas work is recognised by several across the globe regardless of whether he was bestowed with the Nobel Peace Prize or not echo staunch Gandhians History textbooks and of course the popular film Lage Raho Munnabhai have already talked a lot about Gandhigiri. In a world where Mahatma Gandhi is equated to peace, it seems surprising that our countrys peace icon missed out on the Nobel Peace Prize. M K Gandhi was the one who initiated Satyagraha and led the countrys freedom struggle through non-violent means and yet he was denied the Nobel Peace Prize, considering the fact that he was nominated in 1946, 1947, 1948 and couple of times before World War-II). And now, the Gandhigiri fever has brought out another discussion so as to why the Mahatma was not awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. We decide to see what staunch Gandhians in the city, thought about this. Usha Trivedi, 71, and trustee of Mani Bhavan said, The world has already recognised his work and his followers from across the globe have indirectly conferred upon him a peace prize. I do respect the Nobel Peace Prize, but it is they who are at loss by not awarding the prize to Gandhiji. Nonetheless, Gandhijis work, ideals and thoughts remain untouched at the greatest heights. Citing a similar opinion Gandhis great grandson, Tushar Gandhi said, If one observed the Nobel Peace Prize awardees, one would realise that these laureates are in some ways inspired by the works of Mahatma. Had they awarded Gandhi with the peace prize, the value of the prize would have increased. Though late, they have realised that not conferring the peace prize to Gandhi has been a big mistake. Follower of Gandhian thought and veteran theatre artist Mujeeb Khan, of Indian Drama and Entertainment Academy feels that Gandhi should have got the Nobel Peace Prize when he was alive and short-listed five times earlier. One just cannot understand the underlying politics that restricted the Norwegian Nobel Committee from awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to Gandhi, who has been the super hero of the century. But at least, the committee has confessed that they have committed a grave mistake by not bestowing Gandhi with the award. I think though its late, at least now, the award should be conferred upon him posthumously. Shashikant Shah, curator at Kora Kendra, recalling a speech by Gandhi said, Gandhi never demanded any prizes or awards. He did not even like being addressed as Mahatma. Even without being conferred any peace award, his works and thoughts are recognised the world over. Our respect for him remains the same regardless of whether hes getting a prize or We should think for a moment why the Bharat Ratna was not conferred upon Gandhi posthumously, when Bose was awarded with it, he continued. He further opined that even today, western influence and European politics does prevail while selecting the recipients for the Nobel Peace Prize. Quoting Martin Luther Kings statement that Gandhi is inevitable. We can ignore Gandhi at our own risk, Usha Thakkar, Hon Dir. Institute of Research on Gandhian Thought and Rural Development said, Whether Gandhi was awarded Nobel Peace Prize or not does not make any difference to the great work he has carried out for the human race. His work is beyond recognition. She further said that the opinion of the jury at the time when Gandhi was short-listed five times for the award was moulded by the facts and circumstances prevalent at that time. |