The citation reads: “Established in 1923, Gita Press is one of the world's largest publishers, having published 41.7 crore (417 million) books in 14 languages, including 16.21 crore (162 million) Shrimad Bhagvad Gita. The institution has never relied on advertisement in its publications for revenue generation. Gita Press along with its affiliated organizations, strives for the betterment of life and the well-being of all."
The Reaction of Politicians
“The Gandhi Peace Prize for 2021 has been conferred on the Gita Press at Gorakhpur which is celebrating its centenary this year. There is a very fine biography from 2015 of this organization by Akshaya Mukul in which he unearths the stormy relations it had with the Mahatma and the running battles it carried on with him on his political, religious & social agenda. The decision is really a travesty and is like awarding Savarkar and Godse,” Ramesh’s tweet read.
Pointing out Ramesh's tweet, he tweeted: “Congress has sheer hatred for anything Hindu. From Hindu terror to opposing Ram Mandir to Bhagwa terror to blaming Hindus for 26/11 & now attacking Gita Press. Congress = Hindu hating party! They wanted to ensure Ram Mandir is never built.”
In another tweet, the BJP spokesperson said: “Congress hates Gita Press because is spread the real message of Sanatan & Hinduism to every nook and corner. Congress finds Muslim league as secular but Gita Press is communal; Zakir Naik is shanti ka messiah but Gita Press is communal (Zakir Naik is messenger of peace but Gita Press is communal),” he added.
Referring to scrapping of anti-conversion law in Karnataka recently, Sarma said in a tweet: “With the win in Karnataka, Congress has now openly unleashed a war against India's civilizational values and rich legacy, be it in the form of repeal of anti-conversion law or criticism against Gita Press. People of India will resist this aggression and reassert our civilization values with equal aggression.”