HARRISBURG, Jan 2: The Druk International Shito Ryu Karate Do Association (DISKA) awarded human rights campaigner Ram Karki the 2025 DISKA Community Karate Award, its highest annual honour, recognizing his more than three decades of advocacy for Bhutanese refugees and political prisoners.
The citation praised Karki for raising international awareness of human rights violations in Bhutan, establishing the first Bhutanese refugee camp in Maidhar, Jhapa, Nepal, supporting victims of forced eviction in the early 1990s, and campaigning for the unconditional release of political prisoners. DISKA described him as “a beacon of courage, compassion and truth” whose work inspires communities and offers hope to the voiceless.
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Karki, who now lives in the Netherlands, could not attend the ceremony in Harrisburg due to a last-minute emergency. DISKA President Dr. Hemanta Ghising read his acceptance speech on his behalf. In the speech, Karki dedicated the award to political prisoners still held in Rabuna, Chamgang, and Samdrup Jongkhar, and to their families who continue to endure hardship.
Karki reflected on a handwritten letter he received in 2019 from political prisoners requesting his advocacy for their early release, calling it a moment that strengthened his lifelong commitment to speak for “silenced voices.” He said the honour represents “not simply a recognition, but a renewed call to action” to continue pressing for justice and freedom.
Based in the United States, DISKA promotes martial arts, discipline, integrity, and humanitarian values, and annually recognises individuals whose work demonstrates courage, compassion, and service to humanity.
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