Mumbai: Social activist Anna Hazare, whose fast
for a stronger anti-corruption Lok Pal Bill last month made
global headlines, has spurned the Rs one crore 2011
Rabindranath Tagore Peace Prize announced by the Indian
Institute of Planning and Management (IIPM).
"I have rejected the award announced by the Delhi-based
organisation," Hazare told reporters at Ralegan Siddhi in
Ahmednagar district.
"I cannot tell why I decided to reject the award. But my
mind said `no` to accepting the award," Hazare said.
The award carries a cash reward of one crore rupees, a gold
medal and a citation.
While announcing the award, IIPM Dean, Professor Arindam
Chaudhuri, had said the anti-corruption crusader was selected
for the award "to show strong solidarity" to his determined
and non-violent protest against corruption.
PTI
