The Gita Press, the world’s largest publisher of Hindu religious texts, was honored with the 2021 Gandhi Peace Prize. Presented by the Government of India in 2023, the award recognized the Gorakhpur-based institution for its "outstanding contribution to social and cultural transformation" through non-violent means. The jury, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, lauded the Press for its century-long commitment to making spiritual literature—including over 160 million copies of the Bhagavad Gita—accessible at highly subsidized prices. The prize celebrated its unique "Gandhian" model of self-reliance, as the institution famously refuses all commercial advertisements, relying solely on its mission to foster ethical living and social harmony.In February 2026, Gita Press continues to serve as a primary custodian of India's cultural consciousness. On January 21, 2026, Union Home Minister Amit Shah released the centenary issue of its flagship magazine, Kalyan, in Rishikesh, citing its 100-year journey as a "lamp of Indian culture." This week, on February 26, 2026, the Press highlighted its 2026 digital expansion, reporting that its open-access initiatives have reached millions of new readers globally. Its 2021 recognition remains a significant 2026 milestone, symbolizing the integration of traditional wisdom with modern community service. Its 2026 standing is that of a "living temple of literature," whose 2021 honor continues to validate the idea that words and knowledge are the ultimate tools for building a peaceful civilization.