New Delhi, November 19: Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi said that the Indira Gandhi Peace, Disarmament and Development Award has been established to honor individuals and organizations working in the fields of social development, peace, disarmament and human welfare. The award commemorates those who have worked for progress, justice and human welfare even in difficult circumstances.
At the Indira Gandhi Award ceremony held at Jawahar Bhawan in the capital, Sonia Gandhi presented the award to former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet for her outstanding contribution in the field of peace, disarmament and development. Jury Chairman Shivshankar Menon, jury members and other dignitaries also participated in the ceremony.
Sonia Gandhi said that India’s first woman Prime Minister Indira Gandhi made continuous efforts against poverty, inequality and violence. She also highlighted Michelle Bachelet’s struggle-filled life and achievements. Bachelet faced difficulties in protecting democracy and human rights in her country, contributed to the Health and Defense Ministries and served as President twice.
Sonia Gandhi said that Bachelet took important steps to promote women’s rights and equality. She improved Chile’s health system, protected the rights of vulnerable sections, strengthened social security and pension schemes and implemented quotas to increase women’s political participation.
Sonia Gandhi noted that Michelle Bachelet’s contribution is also commendable at the international level. In 2010, she became the first Director of the UN Women agency and later served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, protecting the rights of women and vulnerable sections.
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