Dharamsala, Dec 4 (IANS): Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, on Friday congratulated Ranjitsinh Disale, a primary school teacher in Maharashtra, on winning this year's Global Teacher Prize, saying educating the young children, especially the poor, is perhaps the best way to help them as individuals.

"I would like to congratulate you," His Holiness wrote, "on being named the world's most exceptional teacher and to express my admiration for your generosity in sharing half the prize money with runners-up in the competition".

"Educating young children, especially from poor and needy backgrounds is perhaps the best way to help them as individuals, and actively contributes to creating a better world.

"Your work to ensure that disadvantaged girls go to school, as well as your efforts to prepare study materials for them in their own language, the online science lessons you offer pupils in 83 countries and your project building connections between young people in conflict zones are all vivid examples of compassion in action.

"When you say, 'Together we can make a difference -- we can make this world a better place', you are absolutely right. I am sure your exemplary service will encourage other brothers and sisters to follow in your footsteps."

The spiritual leader ended his letter with an offering of prayers and good wishes.

The 31-year-old Ranjitsingh Disale declared that he will split half of the prize money of $1 million with his top 10 fellow finalists.