After Mangalyaan, ISRO Adds Another Feather To Its Cap: Bags The 2014 Indira Gandhi Prize For Peace

Ever since the success of Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) aka Mangalyaan, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been winning fans’ hearts as well as awards. Recently, the Indian space agency has bagged the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2014.

The ISRO will be conferred the country’s most prestigious award for its contribution in strengthening international co-operation in peaceful use of outer space. The prize carries a cash reward of Rs 2.5 million.

The announcement was made on Wednesday by the award jury, chaired by Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari. "The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development is awarded to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in recognition of its path-breaking achievement, culminating in the Mars orbiter mission, its significant contribution in strengthening international cooperation in peaceful use of outer space," a statement said.

The statement also highlights the fact that with the sheer dedication, hard work and out-of-the-box thinking, Indian space scientists have been able to turn the impossible possible. The statement cites, “It has shown how true self-reliance is, often working in adverse circumstances when it was denied adequate access to the latest research and development elsewhere.”

Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development is accorded annually by the country to individuals or organisations in recognition of creative efforts towards promoting international peace, development and a new international economic order. And ISRO, which was established on August 15, 1969, has delivered a miracle, in form of the awe-inspiring success of its mission to Mars, despite its weaknesses of bureaucratic decision-making, funds crunch among others. (Image: ISRO)