The Ramon Magsaysay Award, often called the 'Nobel Prize of Asia', is a notable accolade that represents exceptional spirit and influential leadership. This year (2023), in the ceremony's 65th edition, four Asians were given the Ramon Magsaysay Award, joining the ranks of Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, Mother Teresa, Dalai Lama, Satyajit Ray, and many others. They are Korvi Rakshand from Bangladesh, Eugenio Lemos from Timor-Leste, Miriam Coronel-Ferrer from the Philippines, and Ravi Kannan R. from India. The award carries a certificate, a medallion bearing the likeness of the late President, and a cash prize of USD 50,000.
Ravi Kannan R. the first formally trained oncologist in the Cachar Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (CCHRC), helped develop the non-profit facility to become the full-fledged, comprehensive treatment centre it is known as today.
According to the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation, Kannan was selected for this year's award because of his strong devotion to his medical profession, focusing on what medicine is truly for: pro-health and people-centred treatment.
The award was established in April 1957 by the trustees of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund based in New York City with the concurrence of the Philippine government.
The award is named after Ramon Magsaysay, the seventh president of the Republic of the Philippines after World War II.
The award recognizes and honours individuals and organizations in Asia regardless of race, creed, sex, or nationality, who have achieved distinction in their respective fields and have helped others generously without anticipating public recognition.
The awards used to be given in six categories, five of which were discontinued in 2009:
Government Service (1958–2008)
Public Service (1958–2008)
Community Leadership (1958–2008)
Journalism, Literature, and Creative Communication Arts (1958–2008)