The KISS Humanitarian Award 2017 was conferred on Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai lama at the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) hereon Tuesday. KIIT & KISS president Saswati Bal and founder Prof Achyuta Samanta presented the award before an audience of 27,000 indigenous students of the institute and a host of dignitaries.
The award citation recognised his “concern for the oppressed human beings from all over the world in need of compassion”.
In his acceptance speech, 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 also used. Brains of brilliant scientists were utilised for destruction. let the 21st century be the century of compassion and peace. Peace does not come from outside; rather, it comes from inside. We need to destroy our anger, aggression and jealousy. Anger and violence always bring disaster and create a fearful atmosphere. World peace can be achieved only by inner peace,” the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize winner said.
“Past is past, but future is in our hand. Your generation is the custodian of the 21st century. You are the people who can create a new shape of future. You have the opportunity and responsibility to create a new world,” he told the students.
On the role of education, he stated, “Existing modern education is inadequate as it focusses on material value and fame. Secular education should include moral education. Research is now going on to figure out how best to do it.” He suggested the KISS to carry out experiments to include moral education.
“India is the most populated democratic country and an ancient civilisation. This country has produced most brilliant people, including Buddhist masters. Buddhism has come from India. Modern world lacks moral principles and knowledge to tackle our destructive emotions. Ancient Indian psychology was very advanced and is still very relevant to deal with this problem,” he told the students.
Earlier in his award presentation speech, Prof Samanta said the literal meaning of the title Dalai lama is ‘ocean monk’ and he is regarded as “the ocean of compassion.” The Dalai lamas are believed to be the manifestations of Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, he informed.
The Dalai lama is the tenth annual KISS Humanitarian laureate.
The Dalai lama also delivered a talk in the ‘KIIT Knowledge Tree’ lecture Series at the KIIT University and addressed thousands of Tibetan settlers from Chandragiri who had come to the KIIT to seek his blessings.