Dharamshala: A group of Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation (RMAF) members from the Philippines received an audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama yesterday on the 64th anniversary of the conferment of the Award to His Holiness in the year 1959.
The visiting members of RMAF were here in Dharamshala to celebrate the commemoration and to personally present the Award to His Holiness as it was received on behalf of the latter by His elder brother Gyalo Thondup on 31 August 1959 in the Philippines’ capital Manila.
According to the President of the foundation, His Holiness was the then youngest awardee among the seven recipients, and the team from RMAF came to Dharamshala for a message to youths from His Holiness for their publication, which was once issued after reaching a landmark of 350 recipients of the Award. Thus far, Ramon Magsaysay Award has been accorded to a total of 344 recipients for their achievements and contributions in six different fields: Government Service; Public Service; Community Leadership; Journalism, Literature, and Creative Communication Arts; Peace and International Understanding; and Emergent Leadership.
Underscoring the potential of love and compassion in developing global peace and stability, His Holiness the Dalai Lama advised younger generations to practice love and compassion in a world where war caused by hatred is contempt in His message. His Holiness further stressed the significance and essentiality of world peace and the role of youth responsibility in it while expressing His appreciation to Filipinos for supporting the just cause of Tibet every now and then.
In 1959, a notoriously momentous year for Tibet and Tibetan, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet was bestowed Ramon Magsaysay Award for His leadership in the preservation of Tibet’s society, religion and culture during a critical time.
The Ramon Magsaysay Awardees, annually selected by the RMAF board of trustees, are presented with a certificate and a medallion with an embossed image of Ramon Magsaysay facing right in profile.
The Ramon Magsaysay Award was conceived to honour greatness of spirit shown in service to the peoples of Asia—regardless of race, gender, or religion.
From 1958 to 2008, the Award was given in six categories annually.
President of the foundation Susan Afan presenting the medal to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Photo / OHHDL
Emily Abrera, the trustee at RMAF, presenting the citation to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Photo / OHHDL
President of the foundation Susan Afan presenting the medal to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Photo / OHHDL
Group photo with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Photo / OHHDL