Dharamshala, India— “So I very much want to express today, Nancy Pelosi, for being conferred the National Democratic Institute’s Democracy Award. I pray for your long life and health”, conveyed His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama through a video message congratulating the US House of Representatives Speaker and his long-time friend Nancy Pelosi for the conferment of National Democratic Institute’s (NDI) Democracy Award on December 8, 2020.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi is presented the NDI’s 2020 Democracy Award for being a staunch advocate of democracy and an example of how to practice democracy. It is a recognition of her commitment to promote Human Rights and democracy around the world.
“I write to express my sincerest congratulations on behalf of the Tibetan people in and out of Tibet on being awarded the National Democratic Institute’s Democracy Award,” said Dr Lobsang Sangay, the political head of Tibet. Quoting her famous statement ‘if we do not speak out for human rights in Tibet because of an economic relationship with China, we lose the moral authority to talk about human rights any place in the world’, Sikyong declared that the world stands in need of more such leaders with wisdom and courage like her. “I am honoured to have met you. You have always stood for and spoke for freedom of speech and transparency. For decades you have committed to deliver justice and human rights not just for the Tibetan people but for many around the world,” he added. “Your support has always been a source of strength and hope for the Tibetan people, and we are exceedingly grateful to you,” he adds. “Once again, my sincerest congratulations and wish you health and success in all your endeavours”, he further delivered.
“You have been a Champion of International Democracy and Human rights. You are also a staunch supporter of our cause and also a voice for the many voiceless Tibetans in Tibet. We hold you close to our hearts and believe that you are someone who stands by Truth, Justice, and Human Values. We appreciate and thank you for all the efforts you have put in bringing our cause onto international platforms. Learning about this news amidst this ongoing pandemic has brought a ray of hope and joy to Tibetans and those who cherish democracy”, Pema Jungney, Speaker of Tibetan Parliament in Exile (TPiE) extended his congratulations on the behalf of 16th TPiE and all Tibetans to Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of US House of Representatives, on winning the prestigious Democracy Award.
“You are very well aware of the situation inside Tibet where Tibetans are still undergoing oppression under Communist China. While the Situation inside Tibet remains grim, we are hopeful with supporters like you that peace will prevail and freedom will be restored in Tibet soon. We are truly grateful to have you as our steadfast friend and look towards a stronger bonding with you. We also take this opportunity to thank you for the unwavering support that you have rendered toward our cause. We are also thankful for all those significant resolutions passed in your parliament and for leading a Bipartisan US Delegation in Tibet to support the cause of Tibet. You have been closely related to our issue and we are sure that you will continue to be with us. You have truly instilled great hope in all of us and we are confident that you will work towards achieving greater goals in the coming years. We truly admire your leadership and determination of working towards a better cause. We hope and request your government and people to continue your firm support towards the Tibetan issue which is based on non-violence and seeks genuine autonomy within the framework of China”, acclaimed the Speaker of the TPiE. “I would like to congratulate you once again on this great occasion. I pray and wish you success in all your future endeavours”, he further mentioned.
Speaker Pelosi was honoured with the Democracy Award in recognition of her ground-breaking leadership as a woman political leader and for her staunch defence of democracy and human rights around the globe. She has been a strong supporter of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibet cause for decades. NDI is an institute in Washington established in 1983 in response to a call from former US President Ronald Reagan to promote freedom and democracy around the world. This is one of the highest awards to recognise leadership of individuals and organisations in their commitment in promotion of Human Rights and democracy.
