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India Peace Prize for Sultan Qaboos, Sheikh Mujib

Dubai - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hails late Sultan Qaboos as a 'leader of remarkable compassion'; and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as 'one of the greatest leaders of our subcontinent'

Published: Mon 22 Mar 2021, 8:11 PM

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Photo: Narendra Modi/Twitter

Photo: Narendra Modi/Twitter

India has conferred the Gandhi Peace Prize 2019 on the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said of Oman. Sultan Qaboos, who was the longest-reigning leader of the modern Arab world, died at the age of 79 in January last year.

The prize for 2020 has been conferred on Bangladesh’s father of the nation, the late Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The Rs10 million (Dh500,000) prize is an annual award instituted by the Government of India since 1995, the 125th birth anniversary commemoration year of Mahatma Gandhi.

The prize's jury, chaired by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, unanimously selected the two leaders.

Sultan Qaboos

The late Sultan Qaboos was chosen in recognition of his "outstanding contributions for social, economic and political transformation through non-violent and other Gandhian methods".

The late Sultan was a visionary leader whose twin policy of moderation and mediation in addressing international issues won him praise and respect across the globe. He played an important role in supporting peace efforts in various regional disputes and conflicts.

According to a Press release issued by the government of India, Sultan Qaboos was the architect of the special ties between India and Oman.

"He had studied in India and always maintained a special relationship with India. Under his leadership, India and Oman became strategic partners and our mutually beneficial, comprehensive partnership strengthened and scaled newer heights," the release said.

When Sultan Qaboos passed away, Prime Minister Modi said he was “a true friend of India and provided strong leadership for developing a strategic partnership" between the two countries.

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman

Prime Minister Modi said Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was a champion of human rights and freedom, and "a hero to Indians as well".

He also said that the late leader's legacy and inspiration has made the "heritage of both countries more comprehensive and deep-rooted", and that the path shown by him "has laid a strong foundation for the partnership, progress and prosperity of both countries over the last decade".



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