Bhubaneswar: The 14th Dalai Lama has been nominated for
the prestigious Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS)
Humanitarian Award for 2017.
The award will be conferred on the Dalai Lama on November 21 at
a special function at KISS. He is the first Noble laureate to receive
the award.
The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, describes himself as
a simple Buddhist monk. He is the spiritual leader of Tibet. He was
born on 6 July 1935, to a farming family, in a small hamlet located in
Taktser, Amdo, northeastern Tibet. At the age of two, the child, then
named Lhamo Dhondup, was recognized as the reincarnation of the
previous 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso. He is a man of peace. In
1989 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent struggle
for the liberation of Tibet. He has consistently advocated policies of
non-violence, even in the face of extreme aggression. He also became
the first Nobel Laureate to be recognized for his concern for global
environmental problems. He has travelled to more than 67 countries
spanning 6 continents. He has received over 150 awards, honorary
doctorates, prizes, etc., in recognition of his message of peace,
non-violence, inter-religious understanding, universal responsibility
and compassion. He has also authored or co-authored more than 110
books.
The previous recipients of KISS Humanitarian Award include Ashley Judd,
Hollywood actor, activist & Global Goodwill Ambassador, UNFPA (2016);
His Excellency Dr. Alejandro Toledo, former President of Peru (2015);
Anne F. Stenhammer, former Regional Programme Director, UN Women,
South Asia Regional Office was the seventh KISS Humanitarian Laureate
(2014).
Other recipients of this prestigious award are: Madam Albina Du
Boisrouvray (2013), His Excellency Lyonchhen Jigmi Y. Thinley, Prime
Minister, The Royal Government of Bhutan (2012); Rt. Hon. Lord
Nicholas Addison Phillips, President (Chief Justice) of the Supreme
Court of the United Kingdom (2011); Rt. Hon. Sir Anerood Jugnauth,
Eminent Social Worker & His Excellency the President of Mauritius
(2010); Dr. Ham Kee-Sun, eminent educationist & physician and
President & Founder, Hanseo University, South Korea (2009); Edna Bomo
Molewa, noted social worker & Cabinet Minister, Social Development,
South Africa National Assembly, South Africa (2008).
