On this day with SHAC, the Dalai Lama, who was Lhama Dhondrub, Tenzin Gyatso at the time, was named the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent campaign to end the Chinese domination of Tibet. Known for his non-violence since 1959, the Dalai Lama stood at the head of the opposition of China’s occupation of Tibet.
When the Nobel Committee selected the Dalai Lama, it emphasized how he based his Buddhist peace philosophy on reverence for all living things and the idea of a universal responsibility that embraces both man and nature. Additionally, the leader’s willingness to compromise and seek reconciliation despite brutal violations of human rights, exemplified the traits of a true receiver of the award.
With the award, came an opportunity for the Dalai Lama to present a plan for the restoration of peace and human rights in Tibet. In his plan, he recommended that the country be turned into an ecologically stable and demilitarized zone that might serve as a buffer between major Asian powers. Though this plan was well received by the general public and set in motion serious negotiations on the future status of Tibet, it was ultimately rejected by the Chinese government.