Daniel Barenboim and Ali Abu Awwad introduced Indira Gandhi Peace Prize

The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Growth for 2023 was introduced to Argentine-Israeli conductor Daniel Barenboim and Palestinian peace activist Ali Abu Awwad on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. File
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The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Growth for 2023 was introduced to classical pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim and Palestinian peace activist Ali Abu Awwad on Tuesday (November 19, 2024).

The prize was given to Mr. Barenboim for his contribution to foster peace by musical and cultural dialogue initiatives and to Mr. Awwad for his advocacy for dialogue by his organisation Roots, an outfit that he began after spending time in an Israeli jail. 

Accepting the prize, Mr. Awwad recounted that he was imprisoned in Israel in 1990 when he and his mom carried out a starvation strike for 17 days. “What makes us human is our potential to recognise one another and shield one another’s dignity. That is what makes us human,” he mentioned.

He recounted that he was harm when his brother was shot and killed by Israeli troopers however he determined to not search revenge. “As a result of I used to be robust sufficient to let go.”

He recounted his conferences with Israeli victims who had died due to Palestinian assaults and mentioned that he discovered humanity among the many Jewish victims of violence as effectively. 

“I realised that my enemies weren’t simply enemies. There was an amazing humanity behind. I may see the Jewish humanity,” he mentioned, including, “Our non violence battle for Palestinian battle has to go by Jewish hearts and never by Jewish our bodies.”

In his introductory comment, Shiv Shankar Menon, former Overseas Secretary and member of the Indira Gandhi Memorial Belief, described the initiatives by Mr. Barenboim and Mr. Awwad as “exemplary”. The occasion was held in digital mode. 

Talking on the event, former Vice-President of India Hamid Ansari mentioned the makes an attempt of Mr. Barenboim and Mr. Awwad had not gone “unnoticed” and would encourage future generations.

“Daniel Barenboim, famend musician and conductor has used the common language of music to bridge cultural and political divides,” Mr. Ansari mentioned.

“Ali Abu Awwad, a Palestinian peace activist, a founding father of the Palestinian peace motion Taghyeer has labored to advertise non-violent resistance and dialogue. His efforts have impressed quite a few people to hunt reconciliation and peaceable resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian battle and signify the ability of resilience and hope,” he mentioned. 

Mr. Ansari mentioned the first victims of the Israel-Palestinian battle have been the younger folks of the West Asian area and Palestine. “Their efforts encourage us to attempt for a greater future the place variations are celebrated,” he mentioned.