The Ramon Magsaysay Award Winner – Dr. Ravi Kannan

The Ramon Magsaysay Award is a prestigious annual honor that recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the welfare of people in Asia. It’s often referred to as Asia’s Nobel Prize.

In 2023, Dr. Ravi Kannan, an oncologist from Assam and the Director of the Cachar Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (CCHRC), was honored with the Ramon Magsaysay Award, often referred to as the Nobel Prize of Asia. He received this prestigious accolade for his groundbreaking work in transforming cancer treatment with a focus on people-centered and pro-poor healthcare.

Purpose 

• To honor the example of former Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay
• To recognize people who have demonstrated integrity in government, courageous service to the people, and pragmatic idealism within a democratic society

History

• The award was established in 1957 by the Rockefeller Brothers Fund and the Philippine government
• The first awards were given out in 1958
• The award is presented annually in the capital city of the Philippines, Manila

Recipients 

• Acharya Vinoba Bhave, an Indian freedom fighter, was the first recipient in 1958
• Ravish Kumar, an Indian journalist, won the award in 2019
• Dr. Mary Rutnam, who worked for the people of Sri Lanka, received the inaugural award for Public Service

Nomination process 

• The RMAF solicits nominations from a wide-ranging pool of international confidential nominators
• The RMAF board of trustees evaluates the nominations and determines the awardees