Dalai Lama Gets 1959 Ramon Magsaysay Award In Person After 64 Years

Dalai lama ramon magsaysay

On April 27th, after 64 years, members of the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation personally presented the 1959 award to the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, at his residence.

It was the first international recognition given to him for his outstanding leadership in protecting the Tibetan community’s religion, which is the basis of their culture and lifestyle.

According to the office of the Tibetan spiritual leader, his elder brother Gyalo Thonden received the Magsaysay Award on behalf of the Dalai Lama in August 1959 in Manila, Philippines. After being exiled from Tibet in 1959, the Dalai Lama has been residing in India.

About Dalai Lama

• The Dalai Lama is a spiritual leader who holds a significant position in Tibetan Buddhism. 

• The title “Dalai Lama” is a combination of two words- “dalai” which means ocean in Mongolian and “lama” meaning mentor or guru in Tibetan. 

• It is believed that the Dalai Lama is the reincarnation of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, and is responsible for guiding the Tibetan people in both spiritual and secular matters.

• The Dalai Lama is affiliated with the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism, which is considered the most prominent and influential tradition in Tibet.
  • The Gelugpa school is known for its emphasis on scholarship and monastic discipline, and it was founded in the 14th century by Je Tsongkhapa.
  • The Dalai Lamas have been associated with the Gelugpa tradition since the 17th century.

• The current and 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, was born in Tibet in 1935. 

• He was declared as the Dalai Lama at the age of two and was crowned in 1950. 

• However, he fled Tibet in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule and has been residing in India in exile ever since. 

• The Dalai Lama is a Nobel Peace Prize laureate (1989).

• He has been a strong advocate for nonviolence, human rights, and religious harmony throughout his life. 

• His teachings, wisdom, and compassion have earned him respect and admiration worldwide, and he has followers across the globe.

About Ramon Magsaysay Award

• The Ramon Magsaysay Award is an annual recognition given to individuals and organisations in Asia who display remarkable courage, honesty, and service to their communities.

• It was created in 1957 and is named after the late Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay, who was known for his integrity and dedication to public service. 

• It is often referred to as the “Nobel Prize of Asia” and is managed by the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation, based in Manila, Philippines.

• The award is presented in six categories, which include government service, public service, community leadership, journalism, creative arts, and peace and international understanding. Awardees receive a certificate, a medal, and a cash prize.

• The Ramon Magsaysay Award acknowledges individuals and organisations from diverse fields, including social work, education, the arts, and science, among others. It has become one of Asia’s most esteemed honours, raising awareness of the significant contributions of people and organisations in promoting democratic values, human rights, and social justice in the region.

• In 2022, four individuals were awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award for their exceptional work in their respective fields. These awardees were Gary Bencheghib from Indonesia, Bernadette Madrid from the Philippines, Sotheara Chhim from Cambodia, and Tadashi Hattori from Japan.

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