The Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation (RMAF), in partnership with the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Delhi, hosted “Celebrating Greatness of Spirit in Delhi” at the India Habitat Centre on 2 September 2024. This special gathering is in commemoration of the 66th anniversary of the Ramon Magsaysay Award and the 75th year of Philippine-India Friendship, underscoring the shared values of transformative leadership and selfless service that have deepened the bond between the two nations.
RMAF Chairperson Cheche Lazaro emphasized, “The Ramon Magsaysay Awardees are living testaments to the impact of leadership that transcends borders. Their work resonates deeply with the principles that both the Philippines and India hold dear—compassion, integrity, and a commitment to uplifting others. Today’s event is a powerful reminder that these shared values continue to inspire and reinforce the strong ties between our nations.”
IN PHOTO: Ramon Magsaysay Awardees and their representatives (bottom, L-R): Khursheed Khurody (granddaughter of DARA KHURODY), Chandramouli Vashisth and Gaurav Vashisth (grandsons of CHANDI PRASAD BHATT), BEZWADA WILSON, NILEEMA MISHRA, Nawshir Khurody (son of DARA KHURODY), ANSHU GUPTA, RAVISH KUMAR, SHANTHA SINHA, RAVI KANNAN R. (top, L-R): RMAF President Susanna B. Afan, RMAF Trustee Ramon R. del Rosario Jr., RMAF Treasurer Gizela M. Gonzalez-Montinola, RMAF Chairperson Cheche L. Lazaro, Amb. Josel F. Ignacio, and RMAF Trustees Amb. Delia D. Albert and Josephine Lok
The event was attended by eight (8) Ramon Magsaysay Awardees hailing both from India and Philippines, current and former Board of Trustees of the Foundation, members of the diplomatic corps, and key leaders from the development sector.
Ambassador of the Philippines to the Republic of India Josel F. Ignacio opened the celebrations, “This evening, on the 66th year of the eponymous award that is Asia’s most prestigious, and on the 75th year of Philippines-India relations, we are here to “Magsaysay”, that is, to pay tribute to these same cherished values and highest standards of service to the people.”
The event “Celebrating Greatness of Spirit in Delhi” is part of the “Greatness of Spirit Dialogues and Book Tour,” a series focused on knowledge exchange across Asia. It engages Ramon Magsaysay Awardees, the academe, the diplomatic corps, the business community, and philanthropic organizations, encouraging their support for the Foundation’s fundraising campaign. This campaign aims to transform the Ramon Magsaysay Center in Manila, Philippines into Asia’s center for hope and inspiration. A key strategy is to develop a comprehensive and engaging experiential Magsaysay Laureate Library and Museum that spans multiple generations, providing visitors with an immersive and educational experience.
The “Greatness of Spirit: Stories of Love, Courage, and Service” (in photo is volume 2) was presented during the event Celebrating Greatness of Spirit in Delhi. In photo (L-R) are RMAF President Susanna B. Afan, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Philippines in Chennai B. Narendran, RMAF Chairperson Cheche L. Lazaro, and Philippine Ambassador to India Josel F. Ignacio
As part of the event, the Foundation showcased the “Greatness of Spirit: Stories of Love, Courage, and Service,” a seven-volume book series that features the stories of 300-plus Ramon Magsaysay Awardees from 1958 to 2023. Additionally, Indian Ramon Magsaysay Awardees in attendance were presented with their digital portraits specifically commissioned for the “Greatness of Spirit: Stories of Love, Courage, and Service.”
RMAF President Susanna B. Afan reflects on the enduring relationship between the Philippines and India saying, “The mission of the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation is to inspire people across Asia through the impactful lives and work of our Magsaysay Awardees, amplify their messages, and extend their causes by fostering meaningful connections with like-minded individuals and organizations. To support this mission, we seek like-minded partners to secure resources that uphold the spirit of collaboration in the work of the Ramon Magsaysay Awardees, fostering dialogue and volunteerism across Asia for more impactful initiatives.”
Copies of “Greatness of Spirit: Stories of Love, Courage, and Service” displayed during the event “Celebrating Greatness of Spirit in Delhi”
Generous donors who will support the Foundation’s fundraising campaign will be gifted with a complimentary set of the “Greatness of Spirit: Stories of Love, Courage, and Service.” For inquiries, interested donors may email greatnessofspiritbooks@rmaward.asia.