DHARAMSHALA, June 18: The Tibetan leader who turns 80 next month has been declared the winner of the 2015 Liberty Medal in recognition of the Buddhist leader’s advocacy for human rights worldwide.
The National Constitution Center has announced the decision on Wednesday. His Holiness the Dalai Lama will receive the prestigious award during the 27th annual Liberty Medal award ceremony on October 26, 2015, at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.
“We are so pleased to announce His Holiness the Dalai Lama as the recipient of the 2015 Liberty Medal,” said National Constitution Center president and CEO Jeffrey Rosen. “In his advocacy for Tibetans and for human rights worldwide, the Dalai Lama has always emphasized the ideals of freedom, dialogue, and tolerance. For this reason he embodies the spirit of the Liberty Medal, which aims to honor men and women who strive to secure such blessings of liberty to people around the globe,” he said.
The Tibetan leader, reacting to the decision to honor him, wrote, “It is a tremendous honor and privilege to receive the Liberty Medal at the National Constitution Center in the historic city of Philadelphia. I am delighted as a recipient to be in the company of so many other inspirational leaders. I have made it my life’s work to spread the message of kindness and compassion and I can think of no better place to be recognized than in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection.”
Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter said the city is honored to host the Tibetan leader and present him the medal.
“His compassion and tolerance embody the very spirit of this special award and our city,” said Nutter.
The Liberty Medal, established in 1988, annually honors men and women of courage and conviction who strive to secure the blessings of liberty to people around the globe. A limited number of tickets to the ceremony will be made available to the general public in September. The event will also be broadcast on local ABC affiliate, WPVI-TV/6abc.
Six recipients of the Medal subsequently have won the Nobel Peace Prize.
