His Holiness (HH) the Dalai Lama has been recommended for India’s highest civilian award. Former Indian foreign secretary, Nirupama Menon Rao, has joined calls for HH to receive the Bharat Ratna in recognition of, “his service to humanity, his compassion, courage, and his abiding faith in democracy and fundamental freedoms”. Last year 200 Indian lawmakers petitioned the government of India to confer the award on HH the Dalai Lama.