His Holiness the Dalai Lama Receives the German Media Prize
Published: Tuesday, 10 February, 2009
Baden Baden, Germany, 10 February 2009 (tibetoffice.ch) - His Holiness the Dalai Lama this evening received the German Media Prize in Baden Baden, Germany.
“This Award from the media is of special
significance,” said His Holiness the Dalai Lama. “In democracy,
freedom of press is essential to inform the public about the truth. The truth
must been know”, he said.
On his arrival at the hotel, a traditional Tibetan welcome
song and dance was presented to His Holiness by the Tibetan Community in
Switzerland and Liechtenstein’s dance group who were especial invited for
the ceremony.
As the Tibetan national anthem was sung at the start of the German Media Prize ceremony, Tibetan national flag was shown on large video screens on the stage. Guest wore Tibetan national flag pins on their jacket.
During His Holiness’ address, he emphasized his three commitments – human value, religious harmony and the Tibetan issue. His Holiness spoke at length the importance of determination and compassion. On the issue of Tibet, he said that situation in Tibet was very tense.
“The preservation of the Tibetan culture is important not only for the Tibetans but for millions of other Asian population. It is one of the important religions of the world,” he said.
Mr. Roland Koch, the Prime Minister of the German state of Hesse, in his eulogy said His Holiness the Dalai Lama was a special person in the world and history. His Holiness had managed to make people curious about the fate of Tibetans and the nonviolent self-determination of Tibet.
He said there are sharp shooters positioned in tall buildings and lots of security forces in uniform carrying machine guns in Lhasa. However, we don’t see any pictures because for the last 12 months, Tibet has been closed to the media and no pictures are being allowed out.
Mr. Koch a friend of the Tibetan leader for over 20 years is one of the senior politicians in German. He said, “What message will be give to the next generation, if we don’t support a peaceful struggle.”
A 20-member jury consisting of Germany's most important and influential media chief editors voted His Holiness the Dalai Lama for the 2008 Award.
The award announcement said, "In a time of religious tension, self-destructive, addiction to profit and ongoing violations of human rights, the Dalai Lama actively advocates reconciliation, tolerance, humility and respect. He represents the non-violent struggle for the rights of the Tibetan people, a struggle he has been leading for over 50 years from exile in India."
His Holiness the Dalai Lama was in Venice in the
morning to receive Honorary Citizenship of Venice.
Tomorrow His Holiness will return to New Delhi, India.
