On January 1, 2015, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, visited  SRK’s Surat Manufacturing Facility. This also marked the Spiritual Leader’s first journey to the Diamond City, Surat.

A Nobel Laureate, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatsowith was honoured with  the Santokbaa Award on January 2nd, 2015 by the SRK Foundation established by Govindbhai Dholakia, Founder and Chairman of SRK. His Holiness the Dalai Lama  was conferred with the Award for his “efforts to make the world a peaceful place & restlessly spreading only one religion, which is the religion of kindness”, SRK said.

O P Kohli, Governor of Gujarat State, gave away the Award to His Holiness. At the event, the SRK Foundation also presented the Dali Lama with a cheque of  Rs 25,00,000 and a diamond studded trophy.

The Santokbaa Award, instituted in the memory of   Govindbhai Dholakia’s late mother, is bestowed upon persons who have excelled in serving society.

Erstwhile recipients of the Santokbaa Award have included  Dr. Sam Pitroda (Father of Indian Telecom Revolution), Dr.  Verghese Kurian (AMUL Founder & Father of White Revolution in India), Dr. HL Trivedi (Globally Renowned Kidney Transplant Surgeon), Professor M.S. Swaminathan (Father of Green Revolution in India), Narayan Desai (Renowned Gandhian and Humanitarian) and  Poornimaben Pakvasa (Freedom Fighter and Woman Empowerer). “These Personalities uplifted the Standards of humanity and worked selflessly for the betterment of society,” the company explained.

During his visit, His Holiness interacted with students and fellow Tibetans at a seminar organised by SRK Foundation. He also spoke on “Ethics in Business in the Current Century” at a meeting attended by prominent business personalities from across the country.