Ramon Magsaysay Award
The Foundation to Educate Girls Globally, known as Educate Girls, received the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2025. It is the first Indian organisation to be honoured with this prize. The award recognises their efforts to fight cultural stereotypes by educating girls and young women. The organisation empowers them with skills and confidence to overcome illiteracy and realise their potential. Alongside Educate Girls, Shaahina Ali from the Maldives and Flaviano Antonio L Villanueva were also recipients for their public service contributions.
About the Ramon Magsaysay Award
- Established in 1957, the Ramon Magsaysay Award is Asia’s equivalent to the Nobel Prize.
- It honours outstanding leadership and community service across Asia.
- The award was created by the Rockefeller Brothers Fund and the Philippine government.
- Winners are announced annually on August 31, the birth anniversary of former Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay.
- A formal ceremony is held in Manila each November to present the medallion and certificate.
Selection and Presentation Process
The Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation’s board of trustees conducts a confidential nomination and investigation process. They select individuals and organisations demonstrating exceptional leadership and public service. Awardees receive a medallion featuring Ramon Magsaysay’s profile and a certificate. The ceremony is a prestigious event attended by dignitaries and past recipients.
Significance of Educate Girls’ Award
Educate Girls’ recognition marks the importance of girls’ education in breaking societal barriers. Their work challenges cultural norms that restrict female education. By promoting literacy and life skills, they enable girls to participate actively in society. This award boosts global awareness of gender equality and education as tools for social transformation.
Who Was Ramon Magsaysay?
Ramon del Fierro Magsaysay was the seventh President of the Philippines. Born in 1907 to a blacksmith father and teacher mother, he began as an automobile mechanic. During World War II, he led guerrilla resistance against Japanese occupation. His leadership earned him the role of military governor. Post-war, he served as a Congressman and Secretary of National Defence. Elected President in 1953, he was known for his integrity and dedication to the people. Magsaysay died in a plane crash in 1957 but left a legacy of public service and courage.
Past Indian Recipients of the Award
Several Indians have received the Ramon Magsaysay Award for their contributions. Notables include Arvind Kejriwal, Ravish Kumar, Bezwada Wilson, and Sonam Wangchuk. Their work spans politics, journalism, activism, and environmental conservation. This reflects India’s diverse efforts in social leadership and reform.
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Dr.Cajetan Coelho
September 1, 2025 at 8:09 pmIn 1985, the late Baba Amte, founder of the Maharogi Seva Samiti received the Ramon Magsaysay Award for his work among the leprosy survivors of Anandwan panchayat, tehesil Warora, zilla Chandrapur of Vidarbha in Maharashtra. Later in 2008 Dr Prakash Baba Amte and Dr Mandakini Amte of the Lok Biradari Prakalp received the Ramon Magsaysay Award for their upliftment work among the Madia Gond tribes of Bhamragarh tehesil, panchayat Hemelkasa, zilla Gadchiroli of Vidarbha in Maharashtra.