Joining the likes of the last years winner for Templeton Prize such as Dalai Lama and previous winners Martin Rees, British astrophysicist and renowned philosopher, Charles Taylor of Canada, Desmond Tutu hailing from South Africa was conferred the award this year.

Honoring his battle against apartheid in South Africa, the Templeton Prize 2013 was given to Tutu. The prize money for the award includes $ 1.7 million. He was lauded for his efforts in inspiring the people of the world with his acts of forgiveness, and justice.

He is one of the most noted human rights activists of the 20th century who was instrumental in suppressing apartheid and the upbringing of a wounded South Africa. He was also the winner of the Nobel Peace price in 1984 where he displayed bravery by revolting against the white-minority rule.

"Desmond Tutu calls upon all of us to recognise that each and every human being is unique in all of history and, in doing so, to embrace our own vast potential to be agents for spiritual progress and positive change," the establishment said.

The award was started in 1972 by the American investor and philanthropist John Templeton is an annual prize which is worth more than the Nobel Prize in terms of the prize money. The award honors any living person "who has made an exceptional contribution to affirming life's spiritual dimension".

(AW- Anil)