Kathmandu: The 2025 DISKA Community Karate Award, the most prestigious annual award of the Druk International Shito Ryu Karate Do Association (DISKA) was awarded to human rights campaigner Ram Karki in recognition of more than three decades of courageous advocacy for Bhutanese refugees and political prisoners. The official citation praised Karki for raising international awareness of human rights violations in Bhutan, helping establish the first Bhutanese refugee camp in Maidhar, Jhapa, Nepal, supporting victims of forced eviction in the early 1990s and continuing to campaign for the unconditional release of political prisoners.
He was described as “a beacon of courage, compassion and truth” whose efforts have inspired communities and given hope to the voiceless. Karki, who now resides in the Netherlands, had planned to attend the ceremony in Harrisburg but was unable to travel following his last-minute emergency issue. His acceptance speech was therefore read on his behalf by DISKA President Dr Hemanta Ghising. In the message, Karki said he was deeply humbled and honoured, dedicating the award to prisoners still detained in Rabuna, Chamgang and Samdrup Jongkhar, and to their families who continue to endure hardship.
DISKA, based in USA, promotes martial arts, discipline, integrity and humanitarian values, and each year recognises individuals whose work reflects courage, compassion and service to humanity
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