Kung Fu Nuns won UNESCO Martial Arts Education Prize 2021

Prestigious “Martial Arts Education Prize 2021” was conferred to the world-renowned Kung Fu Nuns of Drukpa order of Buddhism.

Key Points

• Prize was given to them from the UNESCO International Centre for Martial Arts to honour their brave acts of service.
• The Prize recognises the historic “acts of service and championing of gender equality in Himalayas” by the Kung Fu Nuns.
• Through martial arts, Drukpa nuns empower young girls with defending themselves, take leadership roles across their communities and build confidence.
• It also recognises work by Kung Fu Nuns in Indian and Nepali communities, who were hit especially hard by the covid-19 pandemic. Pandemic had left the marginalised groups in need of supplies and education.

Why Kung Fu Nuns were awarded?

The Kung Fu Nuns belongs to the Drukpa Lineage of Indian Buddhism. They started learning Kung Fu in building strength and confidence. They now use those skills to serve others by means of unimaginable acts of bravery including recent 2500 km “Bicycle Yatra for Peace” from Kathmandu, Nepal to Ladakh. During the Bicycle Yatra, they speak out against human trafficking as well as to their refusal to evacuate after 2015 Nepal earthquake for delivering critical aid to neglected regions.

About Kung Fu Nuns

Kung Fu Nuns are an order of Buddhist nuns, belonging to the Drukpa Kagyu lineage. It is a thousand-year-old sect and is led by the Gyalwang Drukpa. Their name comes from the proficiency order in Chinese martial arts. They started learning Chinese martial arts in 2008 after the 12th Gyalwang Drukpa authorised training. They are best known for their social activism and humanitarian work. They occupy leadership roles across their nunneries.

Month: Current Affairs - October, 2021