India's Sonam Wangchuk, Bharat Vatwani Win Ramon Magsaysay Award
MANILA, July 26: Two Indians Bharat Vatwani and Sonam Wangchuk are among the winners of this year's Ramon Magsaysay Award, regarded as the Asian version of the Nobel Prize.
The two are among six individuals declared winners today
Mr Vatwani is being recognised for "his tremendous courage and healing compassion in embracing India's mentally-afflicted destitute, and his steadfast and magnanimous dedication to the work of restoring and affirming the human dignity of even the most ostracized," the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation said in its citation for the winner.
Mr Wangchuk, 51, is being recognised for "his uniquely systematic, collaborative and community-driven reform of learning systems in remote northern India, thus improving the life opportunities of Ladakhi youth, and his constructive engagement of all sectors in local society to harness science and culture creatively for economic progress, thus setting an example for minority peoples in the world," it said.
Youk Chhang from Cambodia, Maria de Lourdes Martins Cruz from East Timor, Howard Dee from the Philippines and Vo Thi Hoang Yen rom Vietnam are other winners of the award.
The Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation President Carmencita Abella said the winners "are clearly Asia's heroes of hope, moving their societies forward through their unequivocal pursuit of the larger good.
"In genuine solidarity with the disadvantaged and marginalised, each one has addressed real and complex issues with bold, and creative, and pragmatic action that has engaged others to do likewise. The results of their leadership are manifest in the changed lives of the many they have influenced," she said.
"All are unafraid to take on large causes. All have refused to give up, despite meagre resources, daunting adversity and strong opposition. Their approaches are all deeply anchored on a respect for human dignity, and a faith in the power of collective endeavour," she said.
Established in 1957, the Ramon Magsaysay Award is Asia's highest honour. It celebrates the memory and leadership example of the third Philippine president after whom the award is named, and is given every year to individuals or organisations in Asia who manifest the same selfless service and transformative influence that ruled the life of the late and beloved Filipino leader.
This year's Magsaysay Award winners will each receive a certificate, a medallion bearing the likeness of the late President, and a cash prize. They will be formally conferred the Magsaysay Award during formal presentation ceremonies to be held on August 31, 2018 at the Cultural Centre of the Philippines.
Courtesy: www.ndtv.com
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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin hints at Udhayanidhi's elevation
Chennai (PTI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Tuesday indicated that Sports Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin will be elevated as Deputy Chief Minister and also hinted at Cabinet reshuffle.
When reporters asked Stalin on reshuffle and 'Dy CM post for Udhayanidhi' being spoken for quite some time, he answered in a few words. He said: "There will be no disappointment; there will be change." To another question, the CM said the government is prepared to tackle the Northeast monsoon and the state Chief Secretary has already held discussions with top officials and he will also deliberate with officials.
On opposition demanding a white paper on investments secured druing his US visit, the CM said Industries Minister TRB Rajaa has already issued a statement and 'that is by itself is a white paper.' During Stalin's US tour, in total, the state government inked pacts totally worth Rs 7,616 crore with 18 companies.
When he embarked on US tour last month to attract investments to the state and immediately following his return on September 14, Stalin has already hinted twice on the likelihood of a cabinet reshuffle. A larger role for his son and party youth wing secretary Udhayanidhi in the government is being anticipated by party cadres and office-bearers.
On September 18, Udhayanidhi said that Chief Minister Stalin will take a decision on elevating him as Deputy CM and the following day, Tamil Nadu Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Tha Mo Anbarasan had asserted that Udhayanidhi's elevation as deputy cm is imminent.
Udhayanidhi also had days ago deprecated scribes posing question to everyone on his elevation and reiterated it is a prerogative of the chief minister.
