Why in news?
Mozambican humanitarian leader Graça Machel was named the recipient of the 2025 Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development. The award, announced by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust, recognises her lifelong work in education, child rights and social justice. Machel will receive a trophy and ₹1 crore in prize money.
Background
The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development was instituted in 1985 to honour former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. It is awarded annually to individuals or organisations for promoting international peace and disarmament, advancing economic development and scientific discoveries for the betterment of humanity. Winners are selected by an international jury and receive a trophy made of banded haematite jasper bearing Indira Gandhi’s image along with a cash award.
About Graça Machel
- Early life and education: Born in 1945 in Mozambique, Machel studied at missionary schools before earning a scholarship to Lisbon. She returned to Africa in 1973 to join the liberation movement.
- Education minister: After Mozambique gained independence in 1975, she served as the country’s first minister of education and culture. Under her leadership school enrolment increased dramatically, and literacy programmes expanded across rural areas.
- Advocacy for children and women: Machel chaired a landmark UN study on the impact of armed conflict on children in 1996, bringing global attention to the issue. She founded the Graça Machel Trust to promote women’s economic empowerment and children’s rights in Africa.
- International leadership: She co‑founded The Elders, a group of global leaders working for peace and human rights, and serves on multiple boards addressing health, nutrition and girls’ education.
Significance of the award
- Recognition of grassroots work: The award honours decades of effort to improve access to education and healthcare in Mozambique and beyond.
- Highlighting children’s rights: By choosing Machel, the jury underscores the importance of protecting children in conflict zones and ensuring their right to learn and thrive.
- South–South solidarity: The prize reflects India’s support for leaders from the Global South who have contributed to development and peace.
Conclusion
Graça Machel’s selection reinforces the Indira Gandhi Prize’s focus on inclusive development and human rights. Her work demonstrates how education and compassion can transform societies recovering from colonialism and conflict.
Source: TH
