Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, Dec10: Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi was honored with the International Campaign for Tibet’s (ICT) prestigious ‘Light of Truth Award’, recognizing her lifelong commitment to the people of Tibet and her advocacy for human rights and freedom at the Cannon Caucus Room, Washington DC on Monday.
The award, symbolized by a traditional Tibetan butter lamp, was presented to Pelosi by Jetsun Pema, the younger sister of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The ceremony featured remarks from ICT President Tencho Gyatso, ICT Chairman and renowned actor and lifelong friend of Tibet Richard Gere , and President Penpa Tsering, the leader of the Central Tibetan Administration.
“It is our moral duty to stand up for Tibet and speak out against Beijing’s abuses,” said Pelosi during her acceptance speech. “If we do not speak out for human rights in China because of commercial interests, we lose all moral authority to speak out for human rights anywhere. I am deeply honored to receive this award, but there is still much work to be done.”
Richard Gere highlighted Pelosi’s enduring support for the Tibetan cause, saying, “So many wonderful people have been touched by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. I can’t think of anyone who cares more and works harder to make people safer every day than Nancy Pelosi. It’s heart-warming to know she will always be there.”
President Penpa Tsering expressed gratitude on behalf of the Tibetan people, stating, “On behalf of all Tibetans inside and out, we want to thank you for your unwavering support.”
Tencho Gyatso lauded Pelosi’s decades of service, noting, “She was a friend to our cause from day one, a fierce defender and caring friend. While His Holiness couldn’t be here, her many years of partnership with him and the people of Tibet span the distance. We deeply appreciate Jetsun Pema for presenting the award on his behalf.”
The event, attended by an array of dignitaries, included Congresswoman Betty McCollum, Representative Dr. Namgyal Choedup of the Office of Tibet North America, former U.S. Special Coordinators for Tibetan Issues Greg Craig and Paula Dobriansky, and Tibetan Parliament Member Tenzin Jigme, among others.
The ‘Light of Truth Award’, established in 1995, honors individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the understanding of Tibet and the plight of its people. Past recipients include luminaries like Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Václav Havel, and Elie Wiesel, as well as organizations such as the Swiss Red Cross and the International Commission of Jurists.
