Bengaluru: Dr. Raj Kumar Khatri, IAS, Secretary to Government, Infrastructure Development Department, Government of Karnataka, presided over the 22nd Anniversary award of Nobel Peace Prize to His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Bangalore, as the Chief Guest.

Mr. Tashi Phuntsok, the Chief Representative of South Zone, Bangalore, while welcoming the guests said, “As we rejoice while observing the 22nd Anniversary of Award of Nobel Peace Prize to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, we must also remember the sufferings of our brethren in Tibet. The spate of self-immolation since 2008 must bear witness to the dark days in Tibet under the repressive regime of China. Therefore it is appropriate that we observe the day with all the solemnity it deserves but without the festivities. We must also especially remember with gratitude the Government and people of India who have stood with us in our most difficult time. We must indeed be inspired by India’s recent robust stand against high-handed Chinese interference in the affairs of His Holiness’ public events in India.”

 Dr. Khatri, inducted into the prestigious Indian Administrative Services, IAS, in 1988, has been familiar with Tibetan affairs since his tenure as the Deputy Commissioner of Karwar district in 1992 under which Doeguling Tibetan settlement Mundgod, falls. He had then met with His Holiness. In its special efforts to bring about basic amenities to the Tibetan settlements in Karntaka, including water, road and electricity, the Chief Representative’s Office coordinated recently his visit to Tibetan settlements in Bylakuppe. Dr. Khatri and his family had an audience with His Holiness on December 8 in Bangalore.

 Dr. Khatri, in his key note address recalled his association with Tibetans from 1992 when he was the Deputy Commissioner of Karwar. He said he was most inspired by His Holiness’ message of universal peace and compassion. He and his family were most blessed when His Holiness the Dalai Lama held him with one hand and his wife’s with the other recently, he said. As officers his greatest joy is to bring happiness to the common people and he said the Tibetans “could count on him” for any help.

 While the anniversary event was coordinated by the Office of Chief Representative, the arrangement of venue et al was taken care of by TCV Youth Hostel, the incense burning ceremony by local Sweater Sellers Association and the refreshment and lunch to all invitees and public hosted by the Tibetan Traders Guild based in Dubai Plaza, at the well-known Brigade Road in Bangalore.