Ramon Magsaysay Award Recipients meet Dalai Lama

Dharamshala, September 4, 2024: In a momentous gathering at the Dalai Lama's residence in Dharamshala, members of the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation's board of trustees, foundation members, and six distinguished recipients of the prestigious award, had an audience with the Dalai Lama on Wednesday.

During the audience, Susanna B. Afan, President of the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation, officially launched a seven-volume series titled “The Greatness of Spirit: Stories of Love, Courage, and Service”. This collection commemorates the 65th anniversary of the award and features narratives that highlight the extraordinary courage and selfless service of 326 individuals and 22 organizations across Asia who have been honored with the Ramon Magsaysay Award since its inception in 1958. The series underscores the profound impact of altruistic actions and the significant differences they have made in communities throughout the region.

Following the audience, Cheche Laze, CEO of the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation, described the meeting with His Holiness as a deeply blessed and unforgettable experience.

Aruna Roy, who received the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2000, shared her reflections with the media, saying, "I first met His Holiness when I was 10 years old, and since then, I have had the privilege of meeting him on several occasions. To me, he is the greatest human being alive today. He has profoundly influenced my life, and guided by his teachings, I strive to serve those in need with love and compassion."

T.M. Krishna, a recipient of the award in 2016, also expressed his admiration, stating, "His Holiness is a unique and revered figure in the world, consistently advocating for love, compassion, and non-violence. This audience with him was a blessed and unforgettable moment."

The Dalai Lama himself is no stranger to the Ramon Magsaysay Award. He received the honor in 1959 at the age of 24, making him the youngest recipient in the award's history. This award was His Holiness's first international recognition.
 
Conchita Carpio Morales, a laureate from the Philippines, reflected on the significance of the meeting, saying, "We are here to meet the Dalai Lama. It was a sacred encounter, and I was blessed to receive his teachings on non-violence and to hold his hand."
 
The photographs from this memorable event are courtesy of the Office of the Dalai Lama.