Washington DC
September 22, 2010

 The Appeal of Conscience Foundation honoured Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India with the 2010 World Statesman Award in a glittering ceremony at New York on 21st September 2010.    The Foundation is an interfaith coalition of business, religious and foreign policy leaders which promotes mutual understanding, tolerance and peace.  It believes that freedom, democracy and human rights are the fundamental values that give nations their best hope for peace, security and shared prosperity. 
 Ambassador Meera Shankar accepted the award on behalf of the Prime Minister. 
 The Prime Minister, in his recorded acceptance speech said that ”I accept this Award on behalf of a people who have lived in this sacred land for a millennia and have lived together. India has been guided since ancient times by the fundamental belief that while spiritual expression takes many forms and the journey for universal truth takes many paths, we are all united by our highest values, ideals and our inherent humanism."  (Full speech)

 Delivering the commendation address, Dr. Henry Kissinger praised Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh for his leadership, which has been instrumental in the economic transformation underway in India.  He described Dr. Manmohan Singh as a Statesman with vision, persistence and integrity.  He emphasised the close convergence of India and U.S. interest in Asia including Afghanistan and called for regional countries, particularly India to play a greater role in pursuing ways to bring peace, stability and development in Afghanistan.

 Dr. Paul Volcker recalled his long acquaintance with Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and praised both his insights as an economist and his outstanding work as Finance Minister and Prime Minister of India. 

 Under Secretary of State Mr. William Burns conveyed the greetings of the U.S. Government.  He said, " there could truly be no better choice, and no better model of what integrity and statesmanship are all about on the world stage.  A man of even temperament, and remarkable modesty and humility, Prime Minister Singh has demonstrated clear vision and steely determination as a leader, bringing great benefit to India and to the rest of the world. " (Full Speech)

Ambassador Meera Shankar, while accepting the award on behalf of the Prime Minister thanked Rabbi Schneier, President of the Appeal of Conscience and said that "his extraordinary mission addresses one of the most important challenges for humanity and one that more than at any other time in human history is critical for the future peace and prosperity of our world  which has become far more integrated and interdependent."  She added that, "in honouring Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, the Appeal of Conscience Foundation has honoured a leader of extraordinary statesmanship, vision and intellect who is guiding the destiny of the world’s largest democracy."  (Full speech)