About the Award
Background
Established in 2008 by Inge Sargent (Sao Thusandi), the former Mahadevi of Hsipaw, the Sao Thusandi Leadership Award honors young people from Shan State who are working towards community development, peace and democracy in Shan State, particularly those working to preserve local customs and culture.
USD $4,000 is given to the awardee. There have been fifteen award winners so far, working in diverse fields including legal assistance, health, education, environment and community rights.
Although Sao Thusandi (Inge Sargent) passed away in February 2023 just prior to her 91st birthday, she always believed in the peoples of Shan State and the importance of recognizing, honoring, and providing support to those who continue to work towards peace, democracy, and prosperity for all. In accordance with her wishes and with the ongoing participation of her family, the Sao Thusandi Leadership Award will thus continue to be given out annually, continuing with Sao Mae's work and reflecting her ongoing hope for a better Shan State for all of its peoples.
USD $4,000 is given to the awardee. There have been fiftheen award winners so far, working in diverse fields including legal assistance, health, education, environment and community rights.
Award Purpose
The purpose of the award is "to honor young people from Shan State who are committed to taking a leadership role in establishing a democratic, peaceful and thriving Shan State,” and “to encourage and support the awardees in their work to uphold local customs and culture, and to inspire others in Shan State to follow their example in pursuit of a democratic society in their homeland, which presents opportunities for all.”
Eligibility for Award
Award candidates must have demonstrated a capacity for leadership in their community. They must also have shown an appreciation for democratic processes in promoting community development projects. They must be 35 years of age or younger on December 31st of the current year, and they cannot have received this award before. They must have been born in the Shan State and have the desire to live in Shan State when that is possible.
Guidelines for Application
A complete nomination includes the following:
* All applications will be handled with the utmost confidentiality, given the dire security situation in Burma. Identities of any applicant or award recipients will not be disclosed publicly without the express approval of the applicant him/herself.