Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay with Speaker Nancy Pelosi/Tibet.net

Dharamshala: Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay congratulated US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi on winning the National Democratic Institute’s Democracy Award.

“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 Sikyong, in his congratulatory message on Friday.

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 ay place in the world’, Sikyong said 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.”

“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.”

Speaker Pelosi was honoured with the Democracy Award in recognition of her groundbreaking leadership as a woman political leader and for her staunch defense of democracy and human rights around the globe. She has been one of the staunchest supporters of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibet cause for decades.