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Neil Lal Named “Man of the Decade” by UK Buddhist & Thai Community, Receives Blessing from Dalai Lama
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 [...]
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.
