By Tendar Tsering
DHARAMSHALA, October 9: In individually written letters, Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama congratulated the three joint winners of the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize.
In letters addressed to the three new Nobel Peace awardees; H.E. Ellen Johson Sirlef, Ms. Leymah Gbowee and Ms. Tawakul Karman, the 1989 Nobel Peace laureate expressed congratulations and reminded the three winners of the obligation that comes along with the honour.
“We have an obligation to promote a new vision of society, one in which war has no place in resolving disputes among states, communities or individuals,” the Dalai Lama said.
“Non-violence is the pre-eminent value in all human relations. And for this, the role of women is crucially important,” His Holiness added.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee also stressed in its press release announcing this year’s awardees that the role of woman is unavoidable to achieve democracy and lasting peace in the world.
“We cannot achieve democracy and lasting peace in the world unless women obtain the same opportunities as men to influence developments at all levels of society,” said the Committee.
“By awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to these three remarkable people,” the Norwegian Committee expressed its “hopes to bring an end to the suppression of women that is still happening in many countries across the world”.
Last year, the Nobel Peace prize became a major diplomatic flashpoint between the Norwegian government and the People’s Republic of China after the Nobel committee decided to honour Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo with the year’s award.
Liu Xiaobo, one of China’s foremost democracy activists failed to receive the award in person as he is currently serving a 11-year jail term in China.
Brief notes on the three joint winners of 2011 Nobel Peace Prize
Ellen Johson Sirleaf is Africa’s first democratically elected female president. She has contributed to securing peace in Liberia and empowering women besides promoting economic and social development in the region.
Leymah Gbowee is famous for mobilising and organising activities among the women across ethnic and religious dividing lines to bring an end to the long war in Liberia, and ensuring women’s participation in the elections.
Tawakkul Karman has played vital role in the struggle for women’s rights and for democracy and peace in Yemen.
