(Theaward ceremony will be held on March 12 in Bodh Gaya, India)

February 22, 2023 (Narinjara)

Six Rakhine monks have been selected to receive the WorldBuddhist Missionary Association’s International Charity IconAward.

This title is mainly awarded to individuals who areself-sacrificing and constantly engagedin social philanthropy. Maung Phone Shin (Kit Sa Pa), who is also a Buddhist monk and writer, the Myanmarrepresentative of the World Buddhist Missionary Association, told Narinjara News.

“ Thetitle that will be given now, is mainly given to those who work in socialcharity and those engaged in missionary work,” he said.

The 6 Rakhine monks are Ashin Thabarwa Nadi, who is helpingRakhine war refugees and socialassistance activities, Sayadaw U Nandar Linkara of Toungok township, Sasana Hitasasi monastery, Sayadaw ofLamu Maw village, U Thu Seikthaya from ThinPone Chaung monastery in Myebon township, a monk from Shwe Yaung Sone monastery in Sittwe township and a monkfrom Thandwe township.

Ashin Thabarwa Nadi, who was awarded the title, toldNarinjara that he was thrilled to begiven an internationally recognized title based on social charity, and hopedthat the Myanmar government would not ban philanthropicactivities, as it was recognized internationally.

“ Iam thrilled to be recognized not only by the Rakhine community, but also by the international community for my work. Itgives me greater strength for the work thatneeds to be done. I also consider it would be all the more effective, ifthe Myanmar government itselfrecognizes charity work,”he said.

Among the 6 Rakhine monks, Ashin Thabarwa Nadi was presentedwith the Rakhine’s Flagship Award by the Ministry ofRakhine Ethnic Affairs of the Yangon RegionGovernment on Rakhine Day on December 15, 2019, due to his socialactivities in Rakhine State.

 The other 5 Rakhine monks are active in Rakhine socialactivities like Ashin Thabarwa Nadi,are expected to attend the award ceremony to be held on March 12 in Bodh Gaya, India. Other monks from variousregions of Myanmar who work in social philanthropy,will also attend the ceremony and receive the title.