Washington: A prominent US-based Tibet group will honour India through the Dalai Lama on December 18 in recognition of its "critical assistance" to Tibetans who have fled the Himalayan region.

India's role in preserving Tibet's distinct civilisation is unparalleled, Hollywood actor Richard Gere, chairman of the group, The International Campaign for Tibet, said.

The Dalai Lama will present the International Campaign for Tibet's Light of Truth Award to people of India on December 18 "in recognition of their critical assistance to Tibetan people for more than four decades", he said in a press release.

"The award honours those who have made significant contributions to Tibet and the Tibetan people and is one of the most prestigious in the Tibet movement," he said.

Rabi Ray, former Speaker of the Indian Parliament, will receive the award on behalf of the people of India during the closing ceremony of Tibetan Festival of Compassion on December 18.

"India is the source of Tibetan spiritual and cultural heritage. The Dalai Lama very succinctly defined the nature of the relationship between India and Tibet by saying that India is the guru (teacher) and Tibet is its chela (disciple). In recent times, the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people have been inspired by the great Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi's teachings of non-violence, tolerance and compassion," Gere said.

"No nation or individual has helped the Tibetan people in their time of need more than India and the people of India. India's assistance and support is unparalleled," he said.

The award presentation will be co-hosted by former President R Venkataraman, and Kasur Tashi Wangdi, representative of the Dalai Lama.

PTI