PM Modi receives Seoul Peace Prize, appeals to eradicate terrorism

"The time has come for all right-thinking nations to join hands to completely eradicate terrorist networks. Only by doing so, can we replace hate with harmony; destruction with development and transform the landscape of violence and vendetta into a postcard for peace," Modi, who is now on a trip to South Korea, said.

The Pulwama attack, which was carried out by Pakistan-based militant organisation, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), was condemned by several countries.

Apart from terrorism, Modi also spoke about the seriousness of climate change.

He said: "India, as a responsible member of the international community, has been in the forefront of our collective fight against climate change. Despite having a historically low carbon footprint, India has been playing an active role in the global fight against climate change."

Schemes introduced by the Modi government since 2014 like Ayushman Bharat, Skill India, Ujjwala Yojana, Make In India, Digital India and Clean India were also referred to by the Prime Minister at the same platform.

The Seoul Peace Prize Committee had decided to confer the 2018 Seoul Peace Prize on Modi, in recognition of his dedication to improving international cooperation, raising global economic growth, accelerating the Human Development of the people of India by fostering economic growth in the world's fastest growing large economy and furthering the development of democracy through anti-corruption and social integration efforts. 

Image credit: Raveesh Kumar Twitter

While awarding the 2018 Seoul Peace Prize, the award committee recognized the Prime Minister's contributions to the growth of the Indian and global economies, crediting 'Modinomics' for reducing social and economic disparity between the rich and the poor.

The committee lauded the Prime Minister's initiatives to make the government cleaner through anti-corruption measures and demonetization.

The Committee also credited Prime Minister for his contribution towards regional and global peace through a proactive foreign policy with countries around the world under the 'Modi Doctrine' and the 'Act East Policy.' Prime Minister Modi is the fourteenth recipient of this award.

"This award belongs not to me but to the people of India and the success that India has achieved in less than 5 years powered by the strengths and skills of 1.3 billion Indians," Modi said after receiving the award on Friday. 

The Prime Minister said he will give the prize amount to the Namami Gange project, which was launched by his government.