The Liberty Medal, which honours men and women who strive for liberty around the globe, was awarded to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on November 26 at the National Constitution Centre in Philadelphia. The Dalai Lama was unable to attend the ceremony as he is currently resting at home in Dharamshala on the advice of his doctors.
Actor, activist, philanthropist and long-time Tibet supporter Richard Gere received the award on his behalf together with Dr Thupten Jinpa, His Holiness’s principal English translator, Dr Richie Davidson, founder and chair of the Mind and Life Institute andKaydorAukatsang, the Dalai Lama’s Representative in North America.
Richard Gere said the Dalai Lama is “one of the great ones” who “wants nothing more than our happiness.”
The Dalai Lama sent a video statement saying that he regretted not being able to attend and that he was “deeply touched” by recognition of “my little service to humanity.” He continued, “Mainly, I (am) fully committed (to) promotion of human value … including freedom, liberty”.
A Tibetan children’s choir performed during the event in honour of His Holiness, and National Constitution Centre president and CEO Jeffrey Rosen said that His Holiness represents “the ideals of freedom, dialogue, and tolerance.”
The Liberty Medal, established in 1988, is awarded annually to men and women of courage and conviction who strive to secure the blessings of liberty. Past recipients include Nelson Mandela, and Kofi Annan.
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