The Magsaysay Awards are often referred to as Asias Nobel Prize. Each year on
August 31 in Manila the capital of Philippines, six persons or organizations who
through their selfless work and sterling leadership qualities have transformed
the lives of people in Asia are honoured with this Award. In the last five
decades of its existence, more than forty Indian men and women have won this
prestigious Award for work as diverse as innovative agricultural techniques,
fearless journalism, revival of handicrafts, building economically self-reliant
women communities, social activism and contribution to the performing arts.
Starting with Vinobha Bhave who received the Award in the very first year