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The Big Picture
A Look at Some of the Events That Made 2008 One of the Most Memorable Years in Hofstra History

14th Dalai Lama Named First Recipient of the Guru Nanak Interfaith Prize

Hofstra Trustee T.J. Bindra was interviewed about the Guru Nanak Interfaith Prize.

Hofstra President Stuart Rabinowitz announced on March 24, 2008, that His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, had been selected as the first recipient of Hofstra's international Guru Nanak Interfaith Prize.

"There are few missions as important for a university as the advancement of understanding among all peoples," said President Rabinowitz. "Awarding this prize allows us to recognize those who bring together people of all faiths, which now -- more than ever -- is important for the peace and prosperity of our world."

Tashi Wangdi, the Dalai Lama's U. S. representative, accepted the $50,000 prize via telephone on behalf of His Holiness during a news conference at Hofstra.

The prize was established in 2006 through an endowment from the family

of Ishar Singh Bindra to be given by Hofstra University to individuals or organizations that have worked to facilitate dialogue that is indispensable to reducing religious conflict. The prize was named for the founder of the Sikh religion and was meant to encourage understanding of various religions and to build bridges between faith communities.

Hofstra Trustee T.J. Bindra, son of Ishar Bindra, said, "We are immensely pleased with the selection. There could be no more deserving candidate than His Holiness, and to me what stands out most is that Guru Nanak stood for brotherhood, peace and wonderful relations between communities, and I think His Holiness personifies that the best."

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