"The Tibetan culture, religion, environment and people are a source of inspiration to people the world over. So too is His Holiness the Dalai Lama, a source inspiration for all people," she said at the International Campaign for Tibet's "Light of Truth" award ceremony here.

The award was presented to Wang Lixiong and the late Julia Taft for their exemplary leadership in the fight for the human rights and democratic freedom of the Tibetan people.
"American presidents and the American people have been inspired by His Holiness, who describes himself as a 'simple monk, no more, no less. To Tibetan Buddhists, he is the earthly manifestation of the living Buddha. To them and the international community, he is the leader of the Tibetan people," Pelosi said.

The Dalai Lama is currently here on a week-long visit. A day before Pelosi had presented the Dalai Lama with the inaugural Lantos Human Rights Prize.

"To millions of believers and admirers, he is a source of wisdom and compassion. To young people, His Holiness is a positive example of how to make the world a better place," Pelosi said in her speech.