New Delhi (Mizzima) - Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi was on Sunday named winner of the 'Trumpet of Conscience' award for courageously leading the struggle for democracy and human rights in Burma.

The annual award is given by 'Realizing the Dream', a United States-based non-profit organization set up by Martin Luther King III in honor of his father, civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Burmese democracy icon, currently under house arrest, had the award received on her behalf by Aung Din of the US Campaign for Burma (USCB).

Jeremy Woodrum, director of the USCB, said Martin Luther King, Jr. is one of the most important heroes in United States history and almost all Americans admire him. "So comparing Aung San Suu Kyi with Martin Luther King is very important here," remarked Woodrum.

The 1991 Nobel Peace Laureate, Aung San Suu Kyi has been serving a term of house arrest since May 2003. She has been in detention for a total of 13 of the past 19 years.

On the third Monday of each January, the United States observes Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The government holiday is designed to fall around January 15th, the birthday of the assassinated rights leader.