We are immensely proud to be bestowed with this award: Lalmani Tripathi

NEW DELHI: In the midst of a political controversy, Gita Press, the renowned Gorakhpur-based publisher of Hindu religious books, has chosen to decline the Rs 1 crore cash award accompanying the prestigious Gandhi Peace Prize. The Board of Trustees, following a late-night meeting on Sunday, announced their decision, stating that while they consider it a great honor to receive this esteemed award, they have decided not to accept the cash amount associated with it.

Expressing their gratitude, the Board of Trustees extended their thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Minister for Cultural Affairs for recognizing their contributions. Lalmani Tripathi, the manager of Gita Press, addressed the media in Gorakhpur and stated, "We are immensely proud to be bestowed with this award. However, it has always been our policy to refrain from accepting any form of donation. Therefore, the Board of Trustees has unanimously decided to decline the cash prize amount."

The decision by Gita Press comes in the wake of a heated political debate surrounding the selection of the recipient for the Gandhi Peace Prize. While the press acknowledges the significance of the award, they have chosen to adhere to their long-standing policy of not accepting monetary contributions. 

The Gandhi Peace Prize, instituted by the Government of India in 1995, is awarded annually to individuals or organizations that have made exceptional contributions to social, economic, and political harmony. The prize carries a cash award of Rs 1 crore, along with a citation and a plaque.

Notably, Gita Press, established in 1923, has played a pivotal role in promoting and preserving Hindu religious literature. It is renowned as the world's largest publisher of Hindu religious texts and has been instrumental in making religious scriptures accessible to millions of devotees.