The controversy over K.K. Shailaja nomination for the Ramon Magsaysay

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Last Updated08/09/2022

The decision of former Kerala Health Minister to decline an offer to be considered for the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award this year has sparked a row following allegations that her party restrained her from accepting the honour.

Born in 1907
Served as the seventh President of the Philippines (December 1953 - March 1957)
Killed in 1957 in a plane crash on Mount Manunggal in Cebu island.
Served as a guerilla leader against the Japanese as part of the 31st Infantry Division of the Philippines in WWII.
The U.S. appointed him as the military governor of the Philippines after it attained independence in 1946.
Started his political journey in 1946.
Came into prominence with his appointment as the Secretary of National Defence to deal with the communist-led Huks movement.
Became President of the Philippines in 1953.
Led several agrarian, military and administrative reforms.
His 3-year tenure is often cited as the ‘golden years’ of the Philippines.

The Rockefeller Brothers Fund (RBF) established the Ramon Magsaysay Awards after his death in 1957.
Later, the Fund set up the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation.
A non-profit organisation to manage Asia’s biggest honour that recognises selfless work transforming lives.
Regarded as Asia’s version of the Nobel Prize
Initially given for contributions to government service, public service, community leadership, journalism, literature & creative communication arts, and peace and international understanding.
The category of ‘emergent leadership’ was added later.
58 Indians have bagged the international honour.
Including Mother Teresa, Satyajit Ray, Verghese Kurien, Arvind Kejriwal, Mahasweta Devi and Aruna Roy.

A communist-led, peasant-based movement with its roots in the pre-colonial era of political, economic and social inequalities.
Founded in the 1940s to fight the Japanese Army that had invaded the Philippines.
First commander - Luis Taruc
Well-organised, highly-trained force that aimed to seize power once the war ended.
Later, mistrust between the U.S. and the Huks resulted in serious confrontations between the U.S. Army and the rebels.
Retreated to forests where they began to restructure their organisation and plan to overthrow the government.
Had massive support from the people still waiting for land reforms.
1946 - 1950 - Huks took control of large patches of the islands and targeted the Philippine Army and Police Constabulary.
To deal with it, Ramon Magsaysay was appointed as the Secretary of National Defence.
Launched the Economic Development Corps (EDCOR) project to establish resettlement colonies for the Huks
Provided ‘cash for guns’ to facilitate their return to mainstream society.
Pushed for a land reform law.
Later, he led a massive anti-Huks campaign ‘Operation Thunder-Lightning’ in 1954.