Gandhi Peace Prize to Chandi Prasad Bhatt

July 15, 2014

President Pranab Mukherjee presented Gandhi Peace Prize for 2013 to noted environmentalist and pioneer of the Chipko movement Chandi Prasad Bhatt for his contribution towards the environment and society through Gandhian philosophy.
The honor puts Bhatt in the elite club of personalities that includes the likes of Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, who were earlier bestowed with the prestigious prize.
Gandhi Peace Prize is an award that is conferred upon individuals and organizations for their contributions towards social, economic and political transformation through peace and other Gandhian methods.
Chandi Prasad Bhatt:
Born: June 23, 1934, in Chamoli, Uttarakhand
Key Contributions: He was one of the founders of Chipko movement, adopted non-violence in preventing deforestation in the Garhwal Himalayas by embracing trees to prevent them from being felled during the early 70s. The movement later spread throughout the country.
Awards and Honors: He was awarded the Raman Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership in 1982. In 2005, he was conferred the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award in the country. In 2014, he was honored with the prestigious Gandhi Peace Prize for 2013.