Former Chile President Michelle Bachelet Receives Indira Gandhi Peace Award

Michelle Bachelet, the former president of Chile, has won the 2024 Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development. She is recognized for lifetime achievements in human rights, gender equality, and international collaboration. The prize, named after Indira Gandhi, was presented by Sonia Gandhi to honor Bachelet’s historic achievements as the first female president of Chile and as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the inaugural director of UN Women. Her leadership—shaped by personal experiences of exile and injustice—carries a strong message of resilience, unity, and multilateralism.

The Indira Gandhi Peace Prize: A Symbol of Global Impact

• In 1985, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust created the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development.
• Since 1986, it has been awarded each year.
• Parliamentarians for Global Action were the first recipients for their work on nuclear disarmament.
• The 2024 winner is Michelle Bachelet, the former President of Chile.
• The award recognizes efforts to promote international peace and disarmament, economic cooperation, and development initiatives that benefit humanity.
• The prize includes 10 million rupees (or equivalent), a trophy, and a citation.
• The trophy is crafted of banded haematite jasper and includes a miniature portrait of Indira Gandhi; it is presented in a rosewood box with silver edges.
• The awardee is chosen each year by a jury of 5–9 distinguished persons nominated by the Trust.

Conclusion

Awarding the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize to Michelle Bachelet highlights her lifelong dedication to justice, human rights, and global peace. The honor recognizes her leadership in promoting gender equality and defending vulnerable groups worldwide. Her work encourages countries to pursue peace, compassion, and inclusive development.