OdishaLIVE Bureau
The KISS Humanitarian Award 2017 was presented to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama at Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), Bhubaneswar on November 21, 2017. Smt. Saswati Bal, President, KIIT & KISS and Prof. Achyuta Samanta, Founder presented the award before an audience of 27,000 indigenous students of the institute and a host of dignitaries.
The award citation recognized his “concern for the oppressed human beings from all over the world in need of compassion”.
The literal meaning of the title Dalai Lama is ‘ocean monk’ and he is regarded as “the ocean of compassion”, said Prof. Achyuta Samanta introducing the recipient in his presentation speech.
While accepting the award, the Dalai Lama called for making this century a century of compassion and peace. “Previous century was marred by violence. There were world wars in which atom bombs were used. Anger and violence always brings disaster and creates a fearful atmosphere. World peace can be achieved only by inner peace”, the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize winner said.
The Dalai Lama also delivered a talk at ‘KIIT Knowledge Tree’ Lecture Series at KIIT University and addressed thousands of Tibetan settlers from Chandragiri who had come to KIIT to seek his blessings.
KISS Humanitarian Award is an given to someone who has made exceptional contribution to the society in various fields relating to social issues and has distinguished himself or herself as a true humanitarian.
Instituted by Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), Bhubaneswar in 2008, the award is presented annually.Previous recipients of the award include: Ms. Ashley Judd, Hollywood Actor & Activist (2016); Dr. Alejandro Toledo, Former President of Peru (2015); Ms. Edna Bomo Molewa, Noted Social Worker & Hon’ble Cabinet Minister, Social Development, South Africa National Assembly, South Africa (2008).
