New Delhi, Mar 8 (IANS):The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), Tuesday honored the Kung Fu Nuns by awarding them the International Women’s Day Award. This was in recognition of their extraordinary achievements in the fields of women empowerment, disaster relief, and breaking down societal barriers.
On the occasion, several dignitaries including Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi Chief Minister, and Swati Maliwal (Chief of Women Commission) were present.
The International Women’s Day Awards were established by the DCW in 2016 to honor inspirational women who have shown untiring dedication towards the cause for women and girls.
In the past, several women officers were awarded by the commission from ISRO, Indian Air Force, Indian Army, Air India and bike riders of the BSF or CRPF. Public servants, sportspersons, and other agents of change were also recognized by the commission.
The Kung Fu Nuns received the award this year.
The Kung Fu Nuns have broken a centuries-old social order that favoured men in leadership. They are taking on kindness in its most fierce form — empowering others and themselves to serve the world.
Jigmet Yanchan Ghamo, a Kung Fu Nun said, “We are honored to be acknowledged for our efforts. This award will help us spread the message of empowerment and further strengthen and mission to help women and girls be their own heroes.”
Kung Fu Nuns teach martial art to young girls in their communities. Reporting violence against women is rare.
Their 5,200km “Bicycle Yatra to Peace” from Nepal to Ladakh, India took three months. They stopped at hundreds of villages to educate the community about human trafficking and also to share their environmental knowledge.
After the 2015 Himalayan earthquakes, they refused to evacuate to provide critical aid to regions that were left behind.
They provide free health clinics for the community. To date, they have helped restore sight in over 1,500 Himalayans. They respond to emergency animal rescue calls and have removed thousands upon thousands of pounds worth of plastic litter.
The Kung Fu Nuns were Vaclav Havel Humanitarian Prize finalists for 2021, Asia Society’s Game Changers recipient in 2019, and Atlantic Council’s Unsung Heroes in 2020.
Last year, the UNESCO International Centre for Martial Arts awarded the Martial Arts Education Award to the Kung Fu Nuns.
On invitation, they performed at London’s Olympic Park in 2012, just before the Olympics. They have performed at many locations for thousands of people and their exhibitions draw hundreds upon thousands of spectators to their performances.
Kung Fu Nuns are now a household name throughout many Himalayan regions. There is a long waitinglist for girls and women who wish to join them, even though there are over 800 Drukpa nuns in their ranks.
