In news- A lawmaker reintroduced a resolution in the US House of Representatives to posthumously award the prestigious Congressional Gold Medal to Mahatma Gandhi(first Indian to receive) in recognition of his promotion of peace and nonviolence.
About Congressional Gold Medal-
- It is the highest civilian award in the United States.
- In every session of the Congress, the legislation to award Congressional Gold Medals are introduced.
- It is necessary that all Congressional Gold Medal legislations be co-sponsored by at least two-thirds of the Members of the House.
- Since the American revolution, Congress has commissioned gold medals as its highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions.
- Each medal honors a particular individual, institution, or event.
- The first recipients of the medal were participants of the American Revolution, the War of 1812 and the Mexican War.
- However, Congress subsequently broadened the scope of the medal to include actors, authors, entertainers, musicians, explorers, athletes, humanitarians and foreign recipients among pioneers in some other fields.
- Important personalities who received this medal include George Washington, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa, and Rosa Parks.
- Most recently, the medal was awarded to the US Capitol Police and those who protected the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, the day of the siege.
Source: The Indian Express
