I ampurely amazed by the astonishing personal revolution by which a simpleinarticulate man transformed himself into the Mahatma, who ushered the BritishEmpire out of India without even firing a shot. In the age of Empire andMilitary might he proved that the powerless had power and that force of armswould never prevail against force of spirit. Based on all this, Mahatma Gandhisurely deserved an award, which spoke of his efforts, his fight for freedom andjustice and all his other contributions to this world. This award could be givento a few other people also who have been great reformers.
It could be given toone who is a reformer, who has fought for the rights of the people, one who hasfought against all the injustice, malpractices of this world, for the oppressedpeople. One who does not use his status, power and military to reform the worldbut his own might and that force of spirit to make this place a better world. One who displays the courage and conviction to stand for his beliefs. In short,he/she could be called the guiding light for peace in this world. Gandhisconcept of nonviolent resistance liberated one nation and sped the end ofcolonial empires around the world.
His marches and fasts fired the imaginationof oppressed people everywhere. Millions sought freedom and justice underMahatmas guiding light. He proclaimed the power of love, peace and freedom. He fought for the rights of the Indians, for their freedom from the British.
Hisprinciples surely made a difference in this world. In spite of being treatedrudely and paying all sorts of penalties, he was never deterred. Many people,organizations and awards have already acknowledged Gandhi for his efforts. Recently he was rated the runner up Person of the Century second only to thegreat scientist Albert Einstein who had himself said that ” the futuregenerations will scarcely believe that such a man in flesh and blood, had treadthis earth. ” in reference to Mahatma Gandhi. The British BroadcastingCorporation also voted him as the Man of the Millennium.
Gandhi is a great manheld in universal esteem, a figure lifted from history to moral icon. I wouldwant to show my respect and reverence for him and also want to express that hisefforts have not gone in vain and today even the children who are the futuregeneration of this world remember and respect his work. I would like to callthis award the “Life and Leaders” award. It would be given to a living or adead person every year. I would first like to honor the so-called Father of thenation by the Indians, Mahatma Gandhi, by this award.
