His Holiness the Dalai Lama Honoured with first ever ‘Shine a Light Award’[Thursday, 5 May 2011, 3:38 p.m.]
The
Amnesty International yesterday presented its first-ever “Shine a Light
Award” to His Holiness the Dalai Lama at a ceremony held at Carpenter
Performing Arts Center of California State University in Long Beach.
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| His Holiness the Dalai Lama receiving Amnesty International’s ‘Shine a Light’ award at ceremonies held held at California State University in Long Beach, California, on 4 May 2011/Photo:Don Farber |
LONG
BEACH, CA: His Holiness was welcomed in great ovation with over 1000
guests and members of Amnesty International(AI). Ms. Ann Burroughs, a
former prisoner of conscience from South Africa, addressed the welcome
note.Mr Larry Cox, the Executive Director of Amnesty
International, USA, gave a general idea of the human rights violation
in Tibet and the role played by AI. Taking the opportunity the Amnesty
had decided to use the occasion of its 50th anniversary to “honor and
celebrate those whose lives, words and actions challenge, inspire and
move us to never give up, to continue to do what we can, to grow our
non-violent actions on behalf of the freedom and dignity that belong to
each and every individual human being.”Mr Cox expressed his
admiration of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, as the
symbol of peace and a champion of non-violence.Mr Cox along
with three members of a Amnesty student group honoured His Holiness
with the award in recognition of his unprecedented contributions to a
better world with his wisdom. The trophy was designed by Tibetan artist
Tenzin Mochoe, modeled after the title of “Dalai Lama”, which means
Ocean of Wisdom.”The ripple represents the scope and reach of
His Holiness’ unceasing compassion and the potential of every human
being to make a difference in the world,” Mr Cox added.His
Holiness expressed his gratitude to be the receiver of the award. He
shared the conversation that the had with the late Queen Mother in
England in 1996 on the progress on concepts like human rights and
self-determination.
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| The venue at California State University for Amnesty International’s ‘Shine a Light’ award ceremonies in Long Beach, California, on 4 May 2011/Photo by Don Farber |
His
Holiness said: “Amnesty International is one of the sources of
inspiration and hope and their work did have some impact even to those
who care less about human rights. The power of force is temporary, but
the power of truth is eternal.”During the question and answer
session His Holiness emphasised on the need to “promote friendship
between Tibetans and Chinese and outlined his efforts at reaching out
to the Chinese people”.He also asked people to “learn the issue
of Muslim community and promised to put effort in promoting better
relations between Muslims and Buddhists in India in response to a
question from a Muslim student”.He further underlined the need for “greater understanding and education in moral ethics and concern for others”.He met some 100 activists and expressed his appreciation for Amnesty’s work.
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| His Holiness the Dalai Lama answering questions from the audience during Amnesty International’s ‘Shine a Light’ award ceremonies in Long Beach, California, on 4 May 2011/Photo by Don Farber |
