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- His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama, the tenth KISS Humanitarian Laureate motivated the students of the institute to work hard.
- He stressed on the importance of wellness of mind and that KISS should provide moral education in its curriculum.
The KISS Humanitarian Award 2017 was conferred to His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama at KISS (Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences) on November 21, 2017. President of KIIT & KISS, Smt. Saswati Bal and Founder, Professor Achyuta Samanta presented the award in the presence of 27,000 students of the institute and a host of dignitaries.
The award citation recognised Dalai Lama’s ‘concern for the oppressed human beings from all over the world in need of compassion’. The citation further mentioned that Dalai Lama is a beacon of aspiration, hope and inspiration for the millions of people around the world. The award citation noted his sacrifices and struggles for the people and universal compassion.
Accepting the award, Dalai Lama urged for transforming 21st century into a century of peace and compassion. Remembering that 20th century was marked by violence, Dalai Lama said that the brains and intelligence of greater scientists were used for destruction. Therefore, 21st century must become a good example for peace and compassion. One cannot find peace outside, it comes from inside, he added.
Dalai Lama also added that inner peace can be achieved by destroying self jealously, aggression and anger. It is violence and anger that creates a fearful atmosphere and leads to disaster and world peace can be achieved by inner peace, expressed the 1989 Nobel Prize winner.
Adding further, Dalai Lama advised students to forget the past and think about the future. The current generation is the custodian of the 21st century. It is in the hands of youth to shape future and create a new world, said by Dalai Lama.
Expressing his concern about segregation of people on caste, colour etc., Dalai Lama mentioned that the underprivileged should not have an inferiority complex. He also stressed that all the human beings are same – emotionally, mentally and physically. People must be self-confident and work hard towards achieving their goals, advised by Dalai Lama.
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Discussion on the role of education, Dalai Lama indicated that the current education system is inadequate, as it focuses on material fame and value. There is a need to include secular education and moral education, therefore, he suggested KISS carry out experiments to include moral education.
Hailing India as the most populated democratic country and an ancient civilisation, Dalai Lama said that the country produces brilliant people. India is one of the favourable destinations for Buddhist master, and Buddhism has come from India, said Dalai Lama. He also added that the world lacks knowledge and moral principles to solve destructive emotions and ancient India psychology can deal with this problem. Indian citizens must feel proud of country’s rich history, traditions and heritage, stated by Dalai Lama.
Explaining the greatness of the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, Professor Achyuta Samanta said that he is recognised worldwide for his advocacy of compassion. Literally, the meaning of ‘Dali Lama’ is ‘ocean monk’, and he is regarded as the ‘ocean of compassion’. He further informed that Dalai Lamas are manifestations of Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. KIIT & KISS is fortunate to get the blessings of Dalai Lama, and his acceptance of award has enhanced the institute’s stature, expressed by Professor Achyuta Samanta.
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During the award presentation ceremony, Dalai Lama also delivered a talk at ‘KIIT Knowledge Tree’, a Lecture Series at KIIT University.
KISS Humanitarian Award is a prestigious international award conferred to someone who played a magnificent role in contributing to society in different fields. The award was instituted in the year 2008 and it is presented annually.
Some of the previous recipients of the award were: -
- Ms. Edna Bomo Molewa - Noted Social Worker & Cabinet Minister, Social Development, South Africa National Assembly, South Africa (2008)
- Dr. Ham Kee-Sun - Eminent Educationist & Physician and President & Founder, Hanseo University, South Korea (2009)
- Dr. Alejandro Toledo, Former President of Peru (2015)
- Madam Albina Du Boisrouvray, Founder, FXB International, Switzerland (2013)
His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama is the tenth KISS Humanitarian Laureate.
