August 16: Prof. Dr. Saw Htut Sandar, a distinguished Myanmar academic serving in Uttarakhand, was honoured with the Global Mother Inspiration Award 2026 at an international ceremony organized by the United Peace Keepers Federal Council (UNPKFC) at Biphattr Hall, Royal Thai Air Force, Bangkok, Thailand.
Prof. Dr. Saw Htut Sandar received it was the honour marks the 13th international award for her. Over the years, she has been recognized by organizations and institutions associated with Myanmar, India, Thailand, Nepal, Bhutan and Taiwan for her contributions to Buddhist education, academic research, humanitarian service, leadership and peacebuilding.
The ceremony was held under the meaningful theme, “Mothers Shape People, People Shape Peace.” It brought together distinguished women, educators, social contributors, humanitarian workers and peace advocates from different countries. The programme recognized individuals whose lives and work reflect compassion, sacrifice, moral leadership and dedicated service to society.
Distinguished Academic Serving in Uttarakhand
Prof. Dr. Saw Htut Sandar presently serves as Professor and Advisor in the Department of Buddhist Studies at the Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī Subharti School of Buddhist Studies (MGSSBS), Ras Bihari Bose Subharti University (RBBSU), Dehradun. She has served in Buddhist higher education in India for many years, teaching and guiding both Indian and international students.
She is also a Guest Professor at Lumbini Buddhist University, Nepal; Dhamma Secretary of the International Buddhist Confederation; Honorary member of Maha Bodhi Society of India, and UNPKFC Country Representative for Myanmar.
Her academic work covers Buddhist history, meditation, education, ethical leadership, peace and Myanmar Buddhist culture. She has written books and numerous research articles and has presented more than 40 academic papers and lectures at national and international conferences in India, Nepal, Thailand, Vietnam, China and other countries.
She has also played an important role in promoting academic cooperation between RBBSU and various international institutions, including the International Buddhist Confederation, Maha Bodhi Society of India, Lumbini Buddhist University, Nagarjuna University, Dhammaduta Chekinda University in Myanmar and UNPKFC. Through these efforts, she has helped strengthen educational and cultural relations between India, Myanmar and other Buddhist countries.
Commitment to Humanitarian Service
Prof. Dr. Saw Htut Sandar received the Global Mother Inspiration Award in recognition of her sustained contributions to Buddhist studies, higher education, social welfare, humanitarian relief and the promotion of peace.
In addition to her university responsibilities, she founded the Asoka Welfare Foundation in Myanmar in 2014. The foundation established a free clinic for economically disadvantaged communities and organized medical care, educational assistance and relief programmes in remote and disaster-affected areas.
Her humanitarian activities have included healthcare assistance for thousands of patients, support for flood-affected families in Myanmar, and aid for earthquake victims and schoolchildren in Nepal.
At the Bangkok ceremony, Prof. Dr. Saw Htut Sandar emphasized that education should develop not only knowledge but also compassion, moral responsibility and respect for others. She highlighted the important roles of mothers, women and teachers in shaping responsible individuals and peaceful communities.
Buddhist Students Also Honoured
Three Buddhist students associated with MGSSBS and RBBSU were also recognized during the international ceremony.
Nun Pyinnyar Waddi, a third-semester M.A. Buddhist Studies student, received the International Buddhist Lifelong Learning Award in recognition of her dedication to Buddhist education and continuous learning.
Nun Kusala Cari, also a third-semester M.A. Buddhist Studies student, received the Distinguished Humanitarian and Community Service Award for her contributions to social welfare and humanitarian service.
In addition, Ven. Vinaya, an M.A. Buddhist Studies graduate of the 2024–26 batch at MGSSBS, received a Certificate of Appreciation from UNPKFC for his generosity, commitment and contribution to the organization.
Their recognition at an international gathering was described as a proud moment for Ras Bihari Bose Subharti University, Mahaprajapati Gautami Subharti School of Buddhist Studies, and the wider academic community of Uttarakhand. It also demonstrated how Buddhist education can relate to compassion, social responsibility and service to humanity.
The United Peace Keepers Federal Council is an international civil-society organization working to promote peace, humanitarian values, education, justice, equality and international cooperation. Its programmes encourage individuals and communities to participate actively in building a more compassionate and peaceful world.
Expressing gratitude for receiving her 13th international honour, Prof. Dr. Saw Htut Sandar dedicated the award to her teachers, colleagues, students, supporters and all those who have worked with her in Buddhist education and social service.
She described the award not merely as a personal achievement but as an encouragement to continue educating younger generations, supporting monks and nuns, providing humanitarian assistance and promoting compassion and peace across national and cultural boundaries.
