Dalai Lama Gets 1959 Ramon Magsaysay Award in Person after 64 Years: After a 64-year wait, officials of the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation personally presented the Dalai Lama with the 1959 Ramon Magsaysay Award at his residence. The award was the first international recognition given to the spiritual leader for his exceptional leadership of the Tibetan community’s courageous fight in safeguarding their sacred religion, which serves as the foundation of their culture and way of life. In August 1959, the Ramon Magsaysay honour Foundation in the Philippines presented the honour. Susanna B Afan, the President of the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation, along with Foundation Trustee Emily A Abrera, had the honor of meeting with the Dalai Lama, a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, in person to present the 1959 Ramon Magsaysay Award, 64 years after it was awarded to him.
April 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
According to the Tibetan spiritual leader’s office, his elder brother, Gyalo Thonden, collected the Magsaysay Award on the Dalai Lama’s behalf in Manila, Philippines, in August 1959. The Dalai Lama has lived in India since his exile from Tibet in 1959.
Who is Dalai Lama?
The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people and is regarded as one of the most important figures in Tibetan Buddhism. The term “Dalai Lama” is derived from the Mongolian word “dalai,” which means “ocean,” and the Tibetan word “lama,” which means “guru, teacher, or mentor.” The Dalai Lama is believed to be the reincarnation of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, and is responsible for leading the Tibetan people in spiritual and secular matters.
The current and 14th Dalai Lama is Tenzin Gyatso, who was born in Tibet in 1935. He was recognized as the Dalai Lama at the age of two and was enthroned in 1950. He fled Tibet in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese control and has been living in exile in India ever since. The Dalai Lama is a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and has been a vocal advocate for nonviolence, human rights, and religious harmony throughout his life. He is widely respected and admired for his teachings, wisdom, and compassion, and has followers all over the world.
About the Ramon Magsaysay Award
The Ramon Magsaysay Award is an annual award that recognizes individuals and organizations in Asia who demonstrate exceptional courage, integrity, and service to their communities. Established in 1957, the award was named after the late Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay, who was known for his honest leadership and dedication to public service. The Ramon Magsaysay prize Foundation, situated in Manila, Philippines, administers the prize, which is known as the “Nobel Prize of Asia.”
The award is given in six categories, namely government service, public service, community leadership, journalism, creative arts, and peace and international understanding. Recipients of the award receive a certificate, a medal, and a cash prize.
The Ramon Magsaysay Award has recognized individuals and organizations from various fields, including social work, education, the arts, and science, among others. The award has grown to be one of Asia’s most prominent honours, helping to raise awareness of the important achievements made by individuals and organisations in promoting social justice, human rights, and democratic principles in the area.
List of Indian recipients of the Ramon Magsaysay Award:
| Name | Year of Award | Category |
| Vinoba Bhave | 1958 | Community Leadership |
| Jayaprakash Narayan | 1965 | Public Service |
| Mother Teresa | 1962 | Peace and International Understanding |
| Satyajit Ray | 1992 | Journalism, Literature, and Creative Communication Arts |
| M.S. Swaminathan | 1986 | Public Service |
| Arvind Kejriwal | 2006 | Emergent Leadership |
| Shanta Sinha | 2003 | Community Leadership |
| Rajendra Singh | 2001 | Community Leadership |
| Kulandei Francis | 2012 | Community Leadership |
| Bezwada Wilson | 2016 | Emergent Leadership |
| Ravish Kumar | 2019 | Journalism, Literature, and Creative Communication Arts |
