Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award of the Republic of India.

Most Venerable Thich Duc Thien receives the Padma Shri medal from , President of India, Ram Nath Kovind on April 2. (source: Indian Embassy in VN)

Most Venerable Thich Duc Thien has become the first Vietnamese citizen who is honored with the Padma Shri medal, the fourth highest civilian honour which seeks to recognize achievements in all fields of activities or disciplines where an element of public service is involved in India.

The final result of the award was announced annually on the eve of the country's Republic Day (Jan 26).

As Vice-Chairman of the Vietnam-India Friendship Association, Venerable Thich Duc Thien is awarded the Padma Shri medal in recognition for his contribution in tightening the friendship and strengthening mutual understandings between the people of Vietnam and India.

In recent years, he has been actively organizing trip for groups of Vietnamese Buddhist pilgrims to India and provide them with insights of the historical and civilisational linkages shared by two nations./.

( Phi Yen )