The Dalai Lama has been awarded the 2024 Grammy Award for Best contemporary World Music Album, recognizing his contributions to the album “new Colors,” a collaboration with Japanese percussionist Mickey Hart.
Rufus Wainwright accepted the Grammy Award on behalf of the Dalai lama.
Getty Images via AFPRufus Wainwright accepted the award on the Dalai lama’s behalf at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards held on February 4, 2024, in Los Angeles Grammy.com.
This marks the third time a figure associated with peace and humanitarian work has received the award. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter won a posthumous Grammy in 2023 for the audio version of his speeches, and both Barack Obama and Bill Clinton have each won two Grammys in this category rolling Stone.
The Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959, at the age of 23, following a Chinese crackdown on a Tibetan uprising. He has lived in exile in India ever since, advocating for Tibetan autonomy and preserving Tibetan culture Britannica.
China Criticizes the Award
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson,Lin Jian,criticized the award,stating that the Dalai Lama is “not simply a religious figure,but a political exile who engages in separatist activities under the guise of religion.” He further asserted that china opposes the “instrumentalization of an artistic award for political manipulation against China” Reuters.
Despite his age, the Dalai Lama has expressed a desire to live many more years. However, the Tibetan community is preparing for a future without his leadership. In 2011, he relinquished his political role to an elected government Dalai Lama Official Website.
In 2023,the Dalai Lama discussed the process for selecting his successor,stating it would occur after his death and without interference from Chinese authorities,a position strongly condemned by Beijing AP News.
(AFP)