Why Mahatma Gandhi Was Never Honoured with the Nobel Peace Prize

Mahatma Gandhi, one of the greatest apostles of peace, was never awarded the Nobel Peace Prize despite being nominated five times between 1937 and 1948. This article explores the various reasons why the Nobel Committee did not honor Gandhi with the prestigious prize.

Reasons for Gandhi's Missed Nobel Peace Prize

Political Considerations

During the years when Gandhi was most active, the world was undergoing significant political upheavals, including World War II, and the independence movements in many countries. Some members of the Nobel Committee may have had reservations about supporting a figure involved in anti-colonial movements. The global political climate was often seen as conflicting with Gandhi's nonviolent ideals, leading to reluctance from certain committee members.

Controversial Context

Although Gandhi advocated for non-violence, his involvement in India's independence struggle sometimes led to violent conflicts. This context may have created doubt among the committee members about his candidacy. Some critics argue that Gandhi did not consistently maintain a pacifist stance, and that some of his nonviolent movements against colonial powers often resulted in violence and terror according to their perspective.

Posthumous Award Policy

The acquisition of the Nobel Prize often excludes posthumous recipients, a policy that further complicated Gandhi's chances. Gandhi was unfortunately assassinated on the eve of the 1948 nomination deadline, hindering his chances. However, the Nobel Committee can award the prize posthumously only if the recipient dies after the announcement. In this case, Gandhi's death before the announcement barred him from receiving the prize in 1948.

The Nobel Committee's Regret

In 2006, the Nobel Committee publicly expressed regret for not having awarded Gandhi the Peace Prize. They acknowledged his significant impact on global nonviolent movements, citing his contributions as a guiding force in the nonviolent resistance against oppression.

First Nomination 1937

He was first nominated among 13 candidates by Ole Colbj?rnsen, a member of the Norwegian Parliament. Some panel members criticized him for not being consistently pacifist, and that some of his nonviolent movements against colonial powers degenerated into violence and terror. Others believed that Gandhi's views and ideals were primarily Indian and did not have universal application.

Second and Third Nominations 1938 - 1939

Ole Colbj?rnsen renominated Gandhi in 1938 and 1939, but it was ten years before Gandhi made it to the short list again.

Fourth Nomination 1947

He was one of six members shortlisted for the committee's list. However, reluctance from panel members to award him the peace prize surrounded the India-Pakistan partition following India's independence.

Fifth Nomination 1948

This was his last nomination, made just a few days before his assassination. Despite the policy allowing posthumous awards if the laureate died after the announcement, the panel members concluded that such awards should not occur unless the laureate had already passed away.

Conclusion

The failure to honor Mahatma Gandhi with the Nobel Peace Prize, despite his unwavering commitment to nonviolence, is a testament to the complex nature of global politics and the evolution of peace and human rights movements. His legacy continues to inspire peace advocates and nonviolent practitioners worldwide.