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US President Joe Biden has named former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, fashion designer Ralph Lauren, football superstar Lionel Messi, former Defence Secretary late Ashton Carter, and controversial investor George Soros, along with 14 others for the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is the Nation’s highest civilian honour, would be presented to the awardees at a White House ceremony by Biden Saturday afternoon.
The prestigious award is presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavours, the White House said in a report by PTI .
Biden believes great leaders keep the faith, give everyone a fair shot, and put decency above all else. These nineteen individuals are great leaders who have made America and the world a better place.
They are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world, the White House said.
Clinton made history many times over decades in public service, including as the first First Lady elected to the US Senate. After serving as Secretary of State, she became the first woman nominated for president by a major US political party, the White House said.
Soros is an investor, philanthropist, and founder of the Open Society Foundations.
Through his network of foundations, partners and projects in more than 120 countries, Soros has focused on global initiatives that strengthen democracy, human rights, education, and social justice, the White House said.
Soros, 94, in the recent past has spoken openly against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The ruling BJP believe that he tried to interfere in Indian elections.
In the last session of Parliament, the BJP raised the issue of alleged “links” of Congress leaders with Soros-backed outfits involved in “anti-India” activities, triggering vociferous protests from the opposition.
Congress, however, trashed these allegations
In 2020, Soros slammed the Modi government while addressing an event at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, saying nationalism was making headway and the “biggest setback” was seen in India.
Lionel Messi is the most decorated player in the history of professional soccer. He supports healthcare and education programmes for children around the world through the Leo Messi Foundation and serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, the White House said.
