Extolling Mahatma Gandhi's message of harmony, peace and brotherhood, the Dalai Lama has urged followers of all religions to show tolerance, understanding and respect for all faiths and follow the path of non-violence.
Receiving the prestigious "Peace Pilgrim Award", instituted by the Gandhi Foundation USA, the Tibetan spiritual leader called upon people to not to forget that the Mahatma had won freedom for his people by treading the path of truth and non-violence.
He also stressed the importance of leading simple life, pointing out that Gandhi had done that despite being a leader revered by millions.
"I have always considered myself a follower of Gandhi," he said, recalling that when he was young, he met Gandhi one night in his dream.
More than 3000 people applauded as the Dalai Lama accepted the award bestowed on him for "endowing his life to dispel the misery of the world by inspiring the promoting the spirit non violence, social justice and mutual respect for enduring peace and happiness of the humanity."
Rajmohan Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, presented the award and plaque to the Dalai Lama at the First Emory University Summit on Religion, Conflict and Peace held at the spacious Woodruff Physical Education Center at the Emory Campus in Atlanta, Georgia, this weekend.
The Dalai Lama who reciprocated the honour by presenting "Khatas", Tibetan ceremonial scarves to the office bearers of the Foundation.
The Dalai Lama participated in a panel discussion where Hindu, Christian, Jewish and Muslim scholars discussed various aspect of their religions and stress the need for harmony, peace and tolerance.
