New Delhi [India], May 13: Neil Lal, Chairman and President of the Indian Council of Scotland and the United Kingdom, has been awarded the distinguished title of “Man of the Decade” by the Buddhist & Thai Council and Community in the UK. The honour, conferred at Wat Phra Dhammakaya Temple in Helensburgh on 11 May 2025, was accompanied by a special blessing from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
The Buddhist & Thai Council & Community Peace Prize is bestowed upon individuals whose contributions to peace, harmony, and social justice have left a significant mark on British society. This year, Neil Lal was selected from a notable list of finalists, which included Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, former Prime Ministers Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak. According to the Council, Mr. Lal’s achievements in fostering interfaith dialogue and championing community cohesion set him apart from his peers.
The ceremony was attended by hundreds of prominent community leaders and dignitaries. Mr. Lal was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Pooja Lal, and his mother, Mrs. Kusam Lata Lal. During the event, a statue of Lord Buddha, blessed by both Head Monk Samak and His Holiness the Dalai Lama, was presented to Mr. Lal in recognition of his outstanding service.
Head Monk Samak remarked, “Mr. Neil Lal’s selection for this award is a testament to his outstanding achievements. His tireless efforts in fostering interfaith dialogue, promoting cultural understanding, and advocating for human rights have inspired countless individuals. His unwavering commitment to religious harmonisation and peacebuilding has profoundly impacted our society. Neil Lal is a unique and truly remarkable individual.”
Mrs. Warakant McLaughlin, Chairperson of the Buddhist Council of the United Kingdom and Thai Council, added, “We are particularly impressed by Neil Lal’s integrity, fairness, and exemplary leadership. His unbiased approach to all communities, faiths, and cultures has been instrumental in nation-building and bringing diverse groups together. During the pandemic, Neil’s generous donations and efforts to promote UK trade and investment demonstrated his commitment to the nation’s welfare and prosperity. There is no other parliamentarian in the United Kingdom who can match what Mr. Neil Lal has achieved, especially with his diplomacy skills.”
In response, Mr. Lal expressed his gratitude: “I am truly humbled and honoured by this prestigious award from the Buddhist & Thai community in the United Kingdom and the blessings from His Holiness the Dalai Lama. I thank Head Monk Samak and Mrs. Warakant McLaughlin for their kind words and everyone for their warm welcome.”
Mr. Lal’s recognition underscores his pivotal role in advancing interfaith understanding and community development across the United Kingdom, further solidifying his reputation as a leader dedicated to peace and unity.
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