The Dalai Lama was conferred with the Gold Mercury Award for Peace at his residence in Dharamshala on Monday, in recognition of his unwavering dedication to peace, compassion, education, and human rights.
The award was presented by Nicolas De Santis, President and Secretary General of Gold Mercury International, who hailed the spiritual leader’s enduring impact on global harmony and sustainability.
“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,” Santis stated.
He underscored the Dalai Lama’s role in fostering non-violence, interfaith dialogue, and environmental awareness.
“We reflect on your extraordinary legacy. For decades, you have championed non-violence, human dignity, interfaith dialogue, and environmental stewardship, always reminding us that true peace begins within. Your message of universal responsibility teaches us that we are all connected—not just as nations, but as one human family, sharing one fragile planet,” Santis remarked.
The Gold Mercury Award acknowledges visionary leaders who shape the world with courage and integrity, and Santis emphasised that the Dalai Lama exemplifies these ideals.
“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 said.
China continues to label the Dalai Lama a “separatist” and asserts its right to determine his successor.
However, the 89-year-old Tibetan spiritual leader has stated that any successor appointed by China would not be recognised.
Human rights organisations and media reports frequently highlight China’s suppression of Tibetan culture and religion through extensive surveillance, forced assimilation policies, and crackdowns on dissent.
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