DHARAMSHALA, December 3: His Holiness the Dalai Lama received the Dayawati Modi Award for Art, Culture and Education 2011 in the Indian capital New Delhi, Friday for his “contribution towards universal peace, tolerance and social justice”.
At a special ceremony held in honour of the Tibetan leader, the Dayawati Modi Foundation presented the award comprising of a cash prize of Rs.2.51 lakh, a silver shield and scroll of honour.
"It is our honour to confer the award on His Holiness the Dalai Lama in recognition of his lifetime contribution towards universal peace, tolerance and social justice," Dayawati Modi Foundation president Satish Kumar Modi said.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Tibetan spiritual leader expressed alarm at the “cancerous” spread of corruption in countries like India and China.
While asking the citizens of his host nation to pay more serious attention to eradicating corruption, the Dalai Lama said the he fully supports people’s movements aimed at stemming corruption from its roots.
Reflecting on his interactions with Indian students and businessmen, the 76-year old Tibetan leader lamented the general impression of people in India having embraced corruption as a part of their life.
Referring to the hugely popular anti-corruption movement led by prominent Indian social activist Anna Hazare, the Tibetan spiritual leader lauded the movement for reminding the “nation and politicians that corruption is totally wrong."
“Please pay more attention," the Dalai Lama said while encouraging the general Indian populace to contribute in eradicating the corruption menace.
Former recipients of the Dayawati Modi Award, which is one of the highest honours in the country in the field of art, culture and education include Bharat Ratna Mother Teresa and Dr Karan Singh.
On December 4, the Dalai Lama is scheduled to deliver a talk on the “Art of Happiness” as part of the Penguin Annual Lecture Series at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi.
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