By Jane Stirling
February 3 – The University of Toronto will confer an honorary degree on the Dalai Lama for his spiritual leadership and commitment to the non-violent liberation of the Tibetan people.
The Dalai Lama, His Holiness Tenzin Gyatso, will receive an honorary doctor of laws degree at a special convocation ceremony Tuesday, April 27, at 4 p.m. at Convocation Hall. Born in 1935, the Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his efforts to promote human rights and autonomy for Tibet. He has lived in exile in northern India since 1959.
“We are delighted to be able to honour the Dalai Lama at the University of Toronto this spring,” said President Robert Birgeneau. “In these uncertain times, he stands as a beacon for peace and harmony. His life is an inspiration for those who value human dignity and prize spiritual and political freedom.”
During the special convocation, U of T will also award him the International Acharya Sushil Kumar Peace Award. This award was established by South Asian studies at U of T’s New College in memory of Acharya Sushil Kumarji (1926-1994). Kumarji is the most revered teacher in the Jain religion and his life was dedicated to non-violence and non-absolutism in religion.
While in Toronto from April 25 to May 5, the Dalai Lama will lead thousands of Buddhists in that faith’s most important teachings and initiation called the Kalachakra for World Peace. He will also give a public address at SkyDome and lead an interfaith service at the National Trade Centre.
Jane Stirling is the associate director of news services for the department of public affairs.
CONTACT:
U of T Public Affairs, ph: (416) 978-2105; email: jane.stirling@utoronto.ca
