The World Peace Movement Trust awarded Professor Sai Aung Tun its 2016 Ambassador of Peace winner in Yangon on Saturday.

Professor Sai Aung Tun was one of 2 exceptional luminaries to receive the honor in 2016. The prize is awarded to individuals who spend their careers promoting peace and justice to the world.

The ceremony took place at Yangon’s M 3 restaurant where the peace prize was presented by Professor Dr. Ravindra Kumar, founder and Secretary General of the World Peace Movement Trust.

Over 100 professors, peace educators and activists including Dr Sai Sarm Tun, Dr Sai Sarng Ai, Dr Sai Sarng Pe, Maj. Gen. Khai Fa, Sai La and Khuensai were in attendance.

Khueansai, a former student of Professor Sai Aung Tun and currently serve as Managing Director of Pyidaungsu Institute for Peace and Dialogue (PI), said that Prof. Sai Aung Tun is a perfect candidate to receive this prize.

“I studied with him from 1966 to 1969. During that time, I got to learn Shan language,” he said. “He taught us to be proud of our nationality and love our religion.”

“I’m very honoured for him,” he added.

Professor Sai Aung Tun, 84, was born in Hsipaw Township, northern Shan State. Over the course of his career, he taught at Yangon University, Taunggyi University, Magwe University, Mandalay University and Myitchina college of Kachin state where he was the principal.

Professor Sai Aung Tun served as a vice-chairman of the Myanmar Historical Commission and lectured MA and PhD courses at the University of Mandalay-Yangon since 1992.

The World Peace Movement Trust is an organization founded in India in 2001 committed to leading literary luminaries and lovers of peace all over the world. Since its founding, the WPMT have made continuous efforts to inspire people all over the world to make commitments of peace by signing pledges of non-violence.

BY SAI AW / Shan Herald Agency for News (SHAN)