Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1869–1948) stands as one of the 20th century’s foremost advocates of non-violence and moral resistance. In retrospect, it seems natural to many that the leader of India’s independence movement might have received the Nobel Peace Prize. Though nominated several times, he never did. Why was this the case?
A Question of Perspective
Gandhi’s absence from the list of Nobel Peace Prize laureates has often raised questions about the outlook of the Norwegian Nobel Committee. Did the committee members fail to appreciate anti-colonial struggles beyond Europe? Or were they cautious about antagonizing Britain at a time when Norway’s diplomatic ties with London were vital? Whatever the reasons, Gandhi’s omission has remained a subject of reflection. When the Dalai Lama received the Peace Prize in 1989, the committee’s chairman explicitly referred to the award as a tribute to Gandhi’s legacy.
Early Life and Influences
Born in Porbandar, Gujarat, Gandhi grew up in a deeply religious Hindu family that valued non-violence and interfaith harmony. After studying law in London, he worked briefly in India before accepting a post in South Africa in 1893. There, his encounters with racial discrimination shaped his political and ethical convictions.
In South Africa, Gandhi developed satyagraha, or “truth force” — a philosophy of non-violent resistance that encouraged individuals to defy unjust laws peacefully while accepting the consequences. This principle later became central to India’s independence movement.
Gandhi’s Leadership in India
Returning to India in 1915, Gandhi rapidly emerged as a leading figure within the Indian National Congress. During the interwar years, he led a series of non-violent campaigns against British rule, seeking not only political freedom but also social reform — including the upliftment of marginalized communities and the promotion of unity among Hindus, Muslims, and Christians.
While some of his followers viewed non-violence as a tactical approach, for Gandhi it was a moral imperative. His integrity and personal austerity inspired respect even among his opponents, including British judges who sentenced him to prison.
The Nobel Nominations
Between 1937 and 1948, Gandhi was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize five times. His first nomination came from Norwegian parliamentarian Ole Colbjørnsen, who was influenced by pro-Gandhi networks in Europe and the United States. However, the Nobel Committee’s adviser, Professor Jacob Worm-Müller, expressed reservations. While acknowledging Gandhi’s moral stature, he questioned whether his activism could be considered universal rather than primarily national, and whether he had done enough to prevent outbreaks of violence during his campaigns.
In 1947, Gandhi’s name returned to the shortlist, supported by several Indian leaders. Yet the committee faced a dilemma. India had just gained independence — a triumph overshadowed by partition and communal violence. Gandhi’s tireless efforts to promote reconciliation were widely admired, but his perceived alignment with one side in the conflict made some committee members uneasy. Moreover, reports that Gandhi had suggested war might be justified in the face of injustice raised doubts about his absolute pacifism. Ultimately, the prize went to the Quakers.
After His Death
Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948, shortly before that year’s nomination deadline. Several nominators — including past laureates — proposed him again posthumously. Although the Nobel Committee considered the possibility of awarding him the prize after his death, legal and practical obstacles stood in the way. At that time, posthumous awards were only permitted if the recipient had died after the decision had been made. The committee therefore chose not to confer the 1948 prize, noting in its statement that “there was no suitable living candidate.”
Reflection on the Omission
Looking back, Gandhi’s exclusion reflects both the limitations and the evolving scope of the Nobel Peace Prize. Until the 1960s, most laureates were European or American statesmen, diplomats, or humanitarian organizers. Gandhi did not fit these categories. He was a moral reformer, a political visionary, and a symbol of anti-colonial resistance — a figure who redefined what peace could mean in the modern world.
Though he never received the Nobel Peace Prize, Gandhi’s philosophy profoundly influenced later laureates, including Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and the Dalai Lama. His name remains synonymous with the pursuit of justice through non-violence — a testament that the spirit of peace sometimes transcends the institutions created to honor it.
Picture: (c) Peter Thoeny