Meet Jean Henri Dunant And Frederic Passy, The First Recipients Of Nobel Peace Prize In 1901

The nonprofit organisation Nihon Hindakyo in Japan has been granted this year’s Nobel Peace Prize. The organisation got the award for its leadership in the global movement to ban nuclear weapons. Those who survived the nuclear bombs of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan during World War II are members of this organisation referred to as Hibakusha. Through the Nihon Hindakyo organisation, these Hibakusha share their anguish and difficult memories with others all over the world. But do you know who received the Nobel Peace Prize first, when it was awarded and for what kind of work? Let’s know here.

When Was The First Nobel Peace Prize Awarded?

Following Swedish industrialist and inventor Alfred Bernhard Nobel’s will, “the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and the holding and promotion of peace congresses” will receive the Nobel Peace Prize. In contrast to the other awards, an institution may receive the Peace Prize. The Norwegian Nobel Committee bestows it in Oslo. In 1901, the Nobel Peace Prize was first established. This honour has now been granted to 31 organisations and 111 individuals.

Jean Henri Dunant of Switzerland and Frederic Passy of France received the inaugural Nobel Peace Prize in 1901. Jean Henri Dunant received the medal in recognition of his efforts to aid injured military personnel and foster global compassion. Frederic Passy received this honour in recognition of his lifetime contributions to international peace conferences, diplomacy and mediation.

The largest humanitarian relief organisation in the world, the Red Cross, is credited to Jean Henry Dunant with its creation. The northern Italian city of Solferino was engulfed in conflict in 1859. Henry Dunant, a Swiss businessman, witnessed the deaths of thousands of Italian, French and Austrian soldiers. He provided aid to the wounded soldiers during this period. He then penned a book in Solferino’s honour. Wherein a scheme to establish a charity to aid the ill and injured on the front lines was outlined.

For Dunant specifically, having money problems resulted in societal disdain and destitution. The group he had founded expanded and the fundamental principles gained traction over time. The news that the Norwegian Nobel Committee had awarded the elderly Dunant the Nobel Peace Prize was a source of great satisfaction.