Tawang — Hundreds of people held a peace march in the Tawang district to urge the Indian government to bestow the Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian honour, on His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama for his unparalleled contribution to peace, humanity and spiritual values.
The All Tawang District Students' Union (ATDSU) organised a peace march on July 23, 2025, which started at 9 a.m. from Chhamleng near Tawang Monastery and ended at Buddha Park, Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, India. Hundreds of people, including Rinpoches, monks, nuns, students, members of non-governmental organisations, representatives from the business community and local residents, gathered for the Peach March.
According to Mon Tawang Vigilance, His Eminence Rev.Sheling Tulku Rinpoche, H.E. Rikya Lhavoe Rinpoche, H.E. Trulku Tenzin Gyurmey Rinpoche, ATDSU President Sang Dondu, and former President Mindu Tsering addressed the assembly at the opening of the Peach March in Chhamleng. The speakers outlined the contributions of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to world peace, inter-religious dialogue and the preservation of the ancient Indian Buddhist traditions of Nalanda. They emphasised that His Holiness, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, upholds values of compassion and non-violence on a global scale.
The ATDSU issued a statement and it states, "His Holiness the Dalai Lama is not just a global icon of peace and compassion, but the very soul of our Monpa culture. His lifetime of teachings on non-violence, interfaith harmony, and universal brotherhood make him richly deserving of the Bharat Ratna."
"This peaceful march aims to unite Rinpoche, monks, nuns, community elders, youth, students, leaders, and all well-wishers of Monyul in a collective act of gratitude and reverence," it added.
The Bharat Ratna (Jewel of India), is the highest civilian award of the Republic of India. The award established on January 2,1954, the award is conferred in recognition of "exceptional service/performance of the highest order", without distinction of race, occupation, position or gender. The award was originally limited to achievements in the arts, literature, science, and public services, but the Indian government broadened the criteria to include "any field of human endeavor" in December 2011. The recommendations for the award are made by the Prime Minister of India to the President. The recipients receive a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion in the shape of a peepal leaf.
Although mainly awarded to Indian nationals, it has also honored foreign personalities such as Nelson Mandela and Mother Teresa for their humanitarian efforts and dedication to peace and non-violence. The peace marchers stressed that awarding the Bharat Ratna to the Dalai Lama would not only honor his legacy, but also reaffirm India's commitment to spiritual and cultural principles.
