Gorakhpur: Gita Press, the renowned publishing house based in Gorakhpur, has made a commendable decision by declining the Rs one crore cash reward associated with the prestigious Gandhi Peace Award. In a move that reflects their commitment to philanthropy and noble ideals, Gita Press has chosen to accept only the esteemed citation, gracefully foregoing the monetary prize.

Unanimous Selection by a Respected Jury: Under the esteemed leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the jury unanimously recognized Gita Press as the deserving recipient of the esteemed Gandhi Peace Award. This announcement, which took place on Sunday, brought widespread recognition to the invaluable contributions of Gita Press to society. The award not only includes a generous reward of Rs one crore but also features a certificate of appreciation and a plaque.

In a statement released by Gita Press, the organization expressed gratitude for being selected for such a prestigious honor. However, in a humble gesture, they suggested that the government should allocate the cash reward to more deserving causes. Gita Press reiterated their commitment to their core values by expressing their willingness to accept only the certificate of appreciation, a symbolic representation of their achievements.

The decision to award Gita Press with the Gandhi Peace Prize received mixed reactions from various quarters, including criticism from the Congress party. Party leader Jairam Ramesh expressed his discontentment with the selection, referring to it as a "travesty." Drawing attention to Akshaya Mukul's biography titled 'Gita Press and the Making of Hindu India,' Ramesh claimed that the book depicted Mukul's "stormy" relations with Mahatma Gandhi. He likened the award to "awarding Savarkar and Godse," sparking a heated debate on the appropriateness of the selection.

Despite the controversy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his heartfelt congratulations to Gita Press for winning the prestigious prize. He acknowledged their remarkable contributions to the field and emphasized the positive impact they have had on society. Prime Minister Modi's appreciation further highlighted the significance of Gita Press's work and its influence on a global scale.

Situated in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, Gita Press stands tall as one of the world's largest publishers. With an impressive portfolio of 41.7 crore books published in 14 languages, including a remarkable 16.21 crore copies of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, Gita Press has touched the lives of millions. Their commitment to spreading knowledge and wisdom through literature has made a profound impact on readers worldwide.

Gita Press's decision to decline the cash reward while accepting the prestigious Gandhi Peace Award demonstrates their unwavering commitment to their ideals and philanthropic values. This bold step has not only garnered attention but has also sparked conversations about the significance of recognition and giving back to society. Gita Press's rich legacy and dedication to publishing serve as an inspiration for others to follow, making a positive difference in the world through their own unique contributions.

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