New Delhi: Aung San Suu Kyi, who claimed
victory in Myanmar`s historic by-election for parliamentary
seats, was on Monday chosen for the first International Bhagwan
Mahavir World Peace award.
Suu Kyi has been chosen for her devotion to promote
non-violence and peace for the welfare of the people, the
award committee said.
While accepting the letter from the organistaion, she has
conveyed to the organisers that she has accepted the
invitation to come to India to receive the award. However,
she mentioned the time is not right for her to leave her
country.
She wrote "it would have been delightful to visit India
again and meet old friends. However, the time is not yet right
for me to leave Burma even for a short trip abroad."
"Would it be possible to defer the ceremony until a
future date that is convenient for all concerned? Or would you
prefer that I nominate somebody to accept the award for me? I
would be very happy to send a voice message even a video
message if you think that would be a good idea."
"I feel honoured that you have chosen me for the `Bhagwan
Mahavir Award`, particularly as I have a very deep love for
India and her people," she wrote on the reply to the letter.
The award, constituting Rs 11 lakh and a citation, is set
up by Sarhad, a Pune-based organisation.
The award will be given every year to honour
personalities from South Asian countries who have dedicated
their lives to guard the dignity of human existence by Sarhad,
a social organisation working in the conflict zones of India
like Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir and North East.
PTI
