DALAI LAMA (Tenzin Gyatso) : It may seem somewhat controversial to include a religious leader on this list but the fourteenth Dalai Lama has earned his title as a true inspiration thanks to his political activism and peaceful protest movements. The only living member of our list, Gyatso was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for non-violent resistance to Chinese rule in Tibet – an ongoing issue which sees Gyatso forced to live in exile in India.
He is also known for his passionate speeches on subjects as wide ranging as women’s right, economics, the environment, science and religion and his dedication to the peace, prosperity, compassion and tolerance of all is truly inspirational.