by Daljit Sra
New York, July 5: Thirty-two nominations have been received for the inaugural Guru Nanak Inter-faith Prize carrying a cash component of 50,000 dollars to be awarded to an individual or for a collective effort in promoting religious dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
The prize introduced by the Hofstra University, New York, is named after the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak. One of the nominations received is that of spiritual leader Dalai Lama. Last date for filing nomination was July 1. A committee will choose the winner from a list prepared by a selection panel.
Nobel laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu, US Senator Norm Coleman, Representative of the American Jewish Community Rabbi David Rosen, Dr Martin Marty from the Divinity School are members of the committee that also includes Catholic and Christian representatives.
Former Prime Minister I K Gujral, journalist and historian Khushwant Singh and MP Tarlochan Singh are also among members of the Honorary committee. The name of the winner of the prestigious prize is expected to be announced on the eve of Guru Nanak’s gurpurab (birthday) in November this year.
The award will be given once every two years.
