Dalai Lama presented with Gold Mercury Award for peace

Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh): The Dalai Lama was presented with a Gold Mercury Award on Monday in recognition of his lifelong commitment to peace, compassion, education, and human rights. The award ceremony took place at his residence in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh.

Presented by Gold Mercury International
Nicolas De Santis, President and Secretary General of Gold Mercury International, presented the Gold Mercury Award for Peace to the Dalai Lama. "It is a profound honour to present to you the Gold Mercury Award for Peace and Sustainability 2025. You are a leader whose wisdom, compassion, and unwavering dedication to peace have inspired the world," he said.

Recognition for global message of peace and responsibility
Santis highlighted the Dalai Lama's message of universal responsibility, which continues to inspire peace in a fragile world. "For decades, you have championed non-violence, human dignity, interfaith dialogue, and environmental stewardship, always reminding us that true peace begins within," he said.

Advocacy for Tibet and environmental sustainability
Santis also acknowledged the Dalai Lama’s advocacy for the rights of Tibetans and his early warnings about climate change. "Your Holiness, you have defended the rights of the Tibetan people through non-violent means, and you are also a global voice for sustainability, warning of the urgent need to protect our environment long before climate change became a worldwide concern," he stated.

China's opposition and control over succession
China considers the Dalai Lama a "separatist" and asserts that it will select his successor. However, the 89-year-old spiritual leader has made it clear that any successor chosen by China would not be honoured. Human rights groups and media reports indicate that China continues to suppress Tibetan culture, religion, and freedoms through intense surveillance, forced assimilation, and crackdowns on opposition.

(With ANI Inputs)