Dharamshala congratulates Archbishop Desmond Tutu
2 February 2007, Friday, 12:06 p.m.
 Archbishop Desmond Tutu |
Dharamshala: Following the conferment of the prestigious Gandhi Peace Prize 2005 on Archbishop Desmond Tutu by the Indian President A P J Abdul Kalam on 31 January, the Tibetan Administration yesterday congratulated the Nobel laureate and South African anti-apartheid leader.
On behalf of the Kashag, Kalon Tripa conveyed his heartfelt congratulations in a personal letter to be hand-delivered by the representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in South Africa, Sonam Tenzing.
Kalon Tripa also conveyed “the Kashag’s deep appreciation for [his] kind words of support in [his] acceptance speech for the efforts of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to attain greater freedoms for the people of Tibet.”
The Standing Committee of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, expressing joy and pride over the award conferment in a statement released yesterday, hailed Desmond Tutu as “a great source of encouragement and inspiration for people who believe in humanity and non-violence as a means of solution to political disputes.” (read full statement)
Speaking before the president and prime minister of India, at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on 31 January, the 76-year-old human rights activist thanked India for its hospitality to the Tibetan refugees, saying “I request you to help the most wonderful human being, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, living in your country to get back the freedom of Tibet.”
Desmond Tutu also sought India’s help for the freedom of Burma and release of its pro-democracy leader Aung Sans Suu Kyi, adding “I dedicate the award to the people of South Africa, to the freedom of Darfur and to Aung Sans Suu Kyi.”
The award carrying 10 million rupees and a citation was in recognition of his outstanding contribution to world peace, non-violence and reconciliation. Desmond Tutu is the second South African leader to receive the prize after former President Dr Nelson Mandela, in 2000.
Winners of the Gandhi Peace Prize:
