A parliamentary forum comprising Members of Parliament from various political parties has submitted a proposal urging the Indian government to confer the Bharat Ratna upon the 14th Dalai Lama, one of the world’s most respected spiritual leaders. The forum claims to have secured support from nearly 80 MPs for this recommendation, marking a significant development in the ongoing discussions around national honours.
The Bharat Ratna is India’s highest civilian award, traditionally given to individuals who have made exceptional contributions in fields such as public service, science, literature, and the arts. While it is most often awarded to Indian citizens, the statute allows for non-Indians to be recognized in rare and exceptional cases.
The MPs supporting the proposal argue that the Dalai Lama’s lifelong dedication to non-violence, compassion, and interfaith harmony makes him a worthy recipient of the honour. They also highlight his strong historical ties with India, where he has lived in exile for over six decades after fleeing Tibet in 1959. Since then, he has established spiritual and educational institutions in India and has become a global ambassador for peace.
According to sources within the forum, the letter of recommendation has been submitted to the President of India and relevant ministries, along with the list of supporting parliamentarians. The forum has emphasized that the recognition would not only honour the Dalai Lama but also reflect India’s commitment to global peace and moral leadership.
Reactions to the proposal have been mixed. Supporters within political and academic circles have welcomed the initiative, calling it a recognition of the Dalai Lama’s extraordinary global impact. They note that he has already received numerous international honours, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, and that India could rightfully honour him for his cultural and humanitarian influence.
However, others have cautioned that the move could have diplomatic implications, particularly in the context of India’s relationship with China. The Chinese government considers the Dalai Lama a separatist, and any official recognition by India could be viewed as a political statement. Despite these concerns, the MPs' forum has maintained that the recommendation is based purely on the Dalai Lama’s contribution to global peace and not intended as a political gesture.
As of now, the central government has not issued any official statement in response to the proposal. It remains to be seen whether the request will be taken forward through the formal process of awarding the Bharat Ratna, which involves consultation among top government officials and final approval by the President of India.
The initiative has reignited public interest in how India selects recipients for its highest civilian honour and whether figures of global stature like the Dalai Lama should be recognized for their contributions to humanity.
