Graça Machel Wins Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace 2026
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: TH
Subject: Miscellaneous
Context: Graça Machel, a globally respected humanitarian and women’s rights advocate from Mozambique, has been selected for the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development (2026).
About Graça Machel Wins Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace 2026:
What is the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development?
• The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development is an international award conferred annually on an individual or organisation for outstanding creative contributions to global peace, nuclear disarmament, equitable development, and human welfare.
When and why was the Prize instituted?
• Year of institution: 1985
• Instituted by: Government of India
• Administered by: Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust, New Delhi
The Prize was created to commemorate the global vision and leadership of Indira Gandhi, particularly her commitment to peace, non-alignment, and justice in international relations.
What are the core objectives of the Indira Gandhi Prize?
The Prize seeks to uphold and promote ideals consistently championed by Indira Gandhi, including:
• International peace and nuclear disarmament, especially in a divided world order
• Equitable global development with emphasis on South–South cooperation
• Expansion of human freedom, dignity, and social justice
• Use of science, technology, and knowledge for human welfare, not militarism
These objectives align with India’s post-colonial foreign policy ethos and leadership in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
Who is eligible for the Prize?
• Eligible candidates: Individuals or organisations
• Individuals or organisations
• Eligibility conditions: No distinction of nationality, race, religion, or gender Only living persons may be nominated
• No distinction of nationality, race, religion, or gender
• Only living persons may be nominated
• Who can nominate? Parliamentarians Past awardees Jury members Reputed national or international organisations Legislators from UN member states
• Parliamentarians
• Past awardees
• Jury members
• Reputed national or international organisations
• Legislators from UN member states
How is the Indira Gandhi Prize selected?
• Selection authority: International Jury
• Jury size: 5 to 9 members
• Decision method: Consensus
• Nature of decision: Final and binding
The jury may choose to divide the prize or withhold it if no suitable candidate is found.
What does the award consist of?
• Prize money: ₹10 million (₹1 crore) or equivalent in foreign exchange
• Components: Cash prize Formal citation Trophy made of Haematite Jasper, the stone used at Indira Gandhi’s samadhi (Shakti Sthal), featuring a Jaipur miniature–style silver-rimmed portrait
• Cash prize
• Formal citation
• Trophy made of Haematite Jasper, the stone used at Indira Gandhi’s samadhi (Shakti Sthal), featuring a Jaipur miniature–style silver-rimmed portrait
• Funding source: Endowment provided by the Government of India to the Trust
• Frequency: Annual.
Who administers the Indira Gandhi Prize?
The Prize is administered by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust, New Delhi.
Is the Indira Gandhi Prize a government award?
It is instituted by the Government of India but administered independently by a Trust.
Can organisations receive the Indira Gandhi Prize?
Yes, both individuals and organisations are eligible.
Is the Prize awarded every year?
Yes, it is awarded annually, though the jury may withhold it in exceptional cases.
What is unique about the Indira Gandhi Prize?
Its integrated focus on peace, disarmament, development, and human welfare makes it distinct among global awards.
Has the Prize been awarded to non-Indians?
Yes, the Prize is international and open to all nationalities.