By Tenzin Dedan
DHARAMSHALA, Oct 10: Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama has congratulated Narges Mohammadi, the recipient of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize, for her unwavering commitment to human rights, freedom, and equality. In a heartfelt letter sent from his office, the Dalai Lama praised Mohammadi’s courageous campaign and her dedication to promoting fundamental values.
In the letter, His Holiness conveyed, “Today, the values of democracy, transparency, respect for human rights, and equality are increasingly recognized on every side as universal values, which can only benefit us all.” He went on to mention his interactions with previous Nobel Laureates, including Mrs. Shirin Ebadi, who shares common ground with Mohammadi in their fight for gender equality and social progress. The Dalai Lama expressed his admiration for the peaceful means employed by these laureates to overcome discrimination and improve society.
His Holiness further emphasized that “Narges Mohammadi’s Nobel Peace Prize recognition is a testament to the vital role women play in shaping the world from the moment of their birth”, and praised her dedication to justice and equality and the positive impact it has had on the global quest for equality and justice.
The Dalai Lama’s letter resonated with a message of hope and optimism, highlighting the growing desire for peaceful change in the world, where conflicts can be resolved through dialogue and non-violence. He underlined the importance of values such as “kindness, compassion, and human responsibility” as the foundation for positive change. He also believed that this transformation could be achieved through education grounded in a profound appreciation of the interconnectedness of humanity, ultimately contributing to the well-being of all.
Narges Mohammadi, a jailed Iranian activist, has become the 19th woman to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Her recognition stems from her relentless fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her passionate advocacy for human rights for all. Despite facing immense adversity, Mohammadi’s dedication has remained steadfast. She has been arrested an astonishing 13 times, convicted five times, and sentenced to a total of 31 years in prison and 154 lashes for her activism.
