Dharmashala, March 31: The Dalai Lama was honored with the prestigious Gold Mercury Award on Monday at his residence in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, in recognition of his lifelong dedication to peace, compassion, education, and human rights.
Nicolas De Santis, the President and Secretary General of Gold Mercury International, presented the 2025 Gold Mercury Award for Peace to the Dalai Lama, acknowledging his profound global impact.
"It is a deep honor to present you with the Gold Mercury Award for Peace and Sustainability 2025. You are a leader whose wisdom, compassion, and unwavering commitment to peace have inspired the world," De Santis remarked.
De Santis emphasized that the Dalai Lama's message of universal responsibility had played a key role in fostering peace on Earth. "We reflect on your remarkable legacy. For decades, you have advocated for non-violence, human dignity, interfaith dialogue, and environmental responsibility, always reminding us that true peace begins within. Your call for universal responsibility teaches us that we are all interconnected—not only as nations, but as one human family, sharing one fragile planet."
The Gold Mercury International President also praised the Dalai Lama's advocacy for non-violence, sustainability, and the rights of the Tibetan people. "Your Holiness, you have consistently defended the rights of the Tibetan people through non-violent means, and you have also been a global voice for sustainability, raising awareness about the urgent need to protect our environment long before climate change became a global concern," De Santis stated.
The award was presented as a tribute to the Dalai Lama's enduring teachings, which advocate for world peace and a more ethical future. "At Gold Mercury International, we honor visionary leaders who shape the future with courage and integrity. Your Holiness exemplifies these ideals, and your teachings will continue to guide generations toward a more peaceful and just world. It is with deep respect and gratitude that we present you with the 2025 Gold Mercury Award, recognizing your lifelong commitment to creating a better world for all," De Santis concluded.
The Dalai Lama has long been regarded by China as a "separatist," with the Chinese government asserting its right to select his successor. However, the 89-year-old spiritual leader has firmly stated that any successor chosen by China would not be recognized. Human rights organizations and media outlets have reported that China continues to suppress Tibetan culture, religion, and freedoms, employing extensive surveillance, forced assimilation, and crackdowns on dissent.
(With agency inputs)
