Dalai Lama receives Gold Mercury Award for Peace and Sustainability
Dharamshala (PTI): Tibetan spiritual leader The Dalai Lama was awarded the prestigious Gold Mercury Award for Peace and Sustainability at a special ceremony held at his residence in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh on Monday.
The award was presented by Gold Mercury International, a globally recognised think tank and international non-governmental organisation (INGO) dedicated to promoting peace, governance and sustainable development.
Nicolas De Santis, president and secretary general of Gold Mercury International, who presented the award to the Dalai Lama at his residence in Dharamshala said, "Dalai Lama is a leader whose wisdom, compassion and unwavering dedication to peace have inspired the world. As we celebrate His Holiness' 90th birthday, we reflect on your extraordinary legacy.
"For decades, he has 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" he said.
Santis said Dalai Lama has defended the rights of the Tibetan people through non-violent means and is a global voice for sustainability, warning of the urgent need to protect the environment long before climate change became a worldwide concern.
The Gold Mercury International Award, originally established in Italy, has evolved into a globally recognised honour for individuals and organisations making significant contributions to world peace, good governance and international commerce. Over the years, the award has been presented in major cities such as Brussels, Moscow, Madrid and Washington, celebrating visionary leaders who shape the future with courage and integrity.
Gold Mercury International, now headquartered in London, continues its mission under the leadership of Santis, son of the organisation's founder, Eduardo De Santis.
The Dalai Lama joins a distinguished list of past laureates who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to global peace and sustainability, further cementing his enduring legacy as a guiding force for ethical leadership and universal harmony, a statement said.
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Minister Parameshwara says remarks on properties linked to drug peddlers 'misunderstood'
Tumakuru (PTI): Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Saturday said his recent remarks on the demolition of properties linked to those involved in narcotics trade were "misunderstood and misinterpreted".
His clarification follows remarks made two days ago on the government's uncompromising crackdown on the drug menace, including action against properties linked to foreign nationals allegedly involved in drug trafficking.
"It is unfortunate. It is taken in the wrong sense. I didn't mean that tomorrow itself I am going to send bulldozers and demolish the houses. That was not my intention. It was wrongly taken," he told reporters here.
Responding to Congress MLC K Abdul Jabbar's question in the legislative council on the growing drug menace in Bengaluru, Davangere and coastal districts, the minister on Thursday detailed the extensive enforcement measures initiated since the Congress government assumed office.
Pointing to the involvement of some foreign nationals, the minister had said, "Many foreign students from African countries have come to Karnataka. They are into the drug business. We catch them and register cases against them, but they want the case to be registered because once the case is registered, we cannot deport them."
"We have gone to the extent of demolishing the rented building where they stay," he had said.
