Barenboim And Awwad Won Indira Gandhi Peace Prize, 2023

Renowned pianist Daniel Barenboim and peace activist Ali Abu Awwad have been announced to be jointly awarded the Indira Gandhi Award 2023. Both of them were selected for their efforts towards a non-violent solution to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. More than 17,000 people have lost their lives so far in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

• Barenboim and Awwad have been selected by an international jury headed by former Chief Justice of India TS Thakur, according to the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust.
• Barenboim and Awwad have played a major role in resolving political and humanitarian conflicts and establishing peaceful public cooperation through music and peace dialogue.

About Daniel Barenboim:

• He was born in Argentina. Barenboim is a renowned classical pianist and conductor. Barenboim is renowned for performing with and directing some of the world's leading orchestras.
• In addition to his musical achievements, Barenboim is known for his efforts to use music to promote harmony in West Asia.
• From 1992 to January 2023, Barenboim served as the general music director of the Berlin State Opera. 
• His friendship and partnership with Palestinian scholar Edward Said has shaped his vision of a peaceful resolution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.
• Barenboim worked closely with Said to bring together youth from Israel, Palestine, and other Arab and North African countries.
• For this, Barenboim, along with Saeed, has established the West-Eastern Diwan Orchestra and the Barenboim-Said Academy.
• Barenboim has been honoured with numerous awards for his humanitarian efforts in intercultural education and integration. These include Germany's Great Cross of Merit, Spain's Prince of Asturias Award and France's Commander of the Legion of Honour.

About Ali Abu Awwad:

• Ali Awwad was born in 1972. Ali Awwad was raised in a political refugee family.
• He is a prominent Palestinian peace activist. He is working together with the people of Palestine and Israel for a peaceful solution to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
• Awwad has weaponised Gandhian principles of non-violent action, freedom and dignity for peace efforts.
• In 2014, Awwad co-founded a Palestinian-Israeli initiative called Roots to promote understanding, non-violence, and change.
• It was due to Awwad's peace efforts that the Palestinian non-violent movement named Tagheer was started. Tagheer is a people's independent movement dedicated to social development.

About Indira Gandhi Award:

• Established: 1986
• Given by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust in memory of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi
• The award includes a prize of Rs 25 lakh and a citation.
• This award is given to those individuals or organisations who work to ensure peace and development at the global level.
• The first Indira Gandhi Award was given to Parliamentarians for Global Action in 1986.