<span style="color: #222222;">President Ramnath Kovind on Tuesday gave away the Gandhi Peace Prize for four years from 2015 to 2018. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari, got the award for 2015 for their contribution to rural development, education, development of natural resources. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">For 2016, it has been jointly given to Akshaya Patra foundation for its contribution in providing mid-day meals to children and Sulabh International for improving the condition of sanitation and emancipation of manual scavengers.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Ekal Abhiyan Trust has won the award for 2017 for their contribution in providing education to rural and tribal children in remote areas, rural empowerment, gender, and social equality.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Goodwill Ambassador of the World Health Organisation for Leprosy Elimination Yohei Sasakawa has been honoured with Gandhi Peace Prize for 2018 for his role in leprosy eradication.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Congratulating the awardees, President Ram Nath Kovind said, their exceptional contribution to society is a tribute to the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">He said, this year marks his 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma and this milestone is a celebration not just for India but for all countries and entire humanity. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">He said, Mahatma Gandhi transformed our society and politics and, our spirituality. He was a global leader who brought together global best principles. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Narender Modi said, the prize was conferred at a time when India marks the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Mr.Modi said, the freedom struggle became a mass movement due to the visionary efforts of Bapu. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">He merged the streams of Jan Bhagidari and Jan Andolan. Mr. Modi said, Bapu instilled a spirit in every person that they are doing something for India's freedom.</span><br />'' <br />'' <br />''<span style="color: #222222;">Mr. Modi said those individuals and organisations who are devoted to the ideals of Bapu to bring change in society, are chosen for the prize.</span><br />