Mayor H. Fahriyanto(right) and Lady Mayoress Tarni Fahriyanto (second right) receiving the Award plaque Thank you letter from Mayor and Lady Mayoress

On January 20, Golden Year 6 (2009), on behalf of Supreme Master Ching Hai, our Association members presented Mayor H. Fahriyanto and Lady Mayoress Tarni Fahriyanto with the Shining World Leadership Award, in recognition of their positive leadership in guiding people toward a sustainable and compassionate lifestyle. In hosting seminars and vegetarian cooking classes, they have both shown steadfast dedication to promoting vegetarianism among the people of Magelang City. The distinguished leaders also received Master’s DVDs and books, including The Noble Wild and The Birds in My Life. Among the esteemed guests present on this special occasion were the Vice Mayor, Head of the Local Council, Head of District Attorney, Head of the District Court, and the Regional Secretary.

In thanking Supreme Master Ching Hai for the honor, Mayor Fahriyanto said that the Award was not for him alone, but for all the people of Magelang. The mayoress also conveyed gratitude on behalf of the Family Welfare Movement in Magelang City. Both expressed their wish to see more people become vegetarian and go green to save the planet.

May this noble example of leadership by the Mayor and Mayoress of Magelang inspire more people around the world to take action and turn to compassionate living. Our humble gratitude also goes to members of the press: Kompas, Suara Merdeka, Harian Jogja and Kedaulatan Rakyat, who reported on the ceremony and thus helped draw public attention to the urgent issue of global warming.