Dalai Lama to receive Liberty Medal for human rights work

Philadelphia, Jun 17: The Dalai Lama will be honoured with Philadelphia's Liberty Medal for his efforts to promote compassion and human rights around the globe.

In announcing the award today, National Constitution Center CEO Jeffrey Rosen said the Tibetan spiritual leader has "emphasised the ideals of freedom, dialogue and tolerance." The medal comes with a USD 100,000 cash prize.

It's given annually by the Constitution Center to those who strive to secure liberty for people worldwide.

The Dalai Lama has lived in exile in India since a failed 1959 Tibetan uprising against Chinese rule. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.

He'll travel to Philadelphia for a ceremony October 26, one month after Pope Francis visits the city. Previous Liberty Medal winners include Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai and rock singer and humanitarian Bono.

AP