Two years ago, the prize was awarded to the Gates Foundation as an organization; this year’s honor goes to Mr. Gates as an individual.

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates Jr. received the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development in recognition of his work with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, headquartered in Greater Seattle. India awards the prize annually to individuals or organizations whose efforts promote peace, development and a new international economic order. Two years ago, the prize was awarded to the Gates Foundation as an organization; this year’s honor goes to Mr. Gates as an individual.

“Like Indiraji, Bill Gates has demonstrated that he has the foresight and ability to plan for the future,” said Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, President of India. “Those who travel with the desire to make their own lives more meaningful by working for the welfare of humanity are leaders remembered forever.”

The Gates Foundation started operation in India in 2003 and has committed nearly $1 billion for health and development projects there. Last week the Foundation increased its commitment to an HIV/AIDS prevention program, Avahan, by $30 million, bringing the total funding to $338 million.