Dharamshala: President Dr Lobsang Sangay condoled the demise of former Defence Minister George Fernandes and remembered him as “the strongest voice on Tibet and a truly a great friend of Tibet.” George Fernandes, 88, passed away early on Tuesday morning after a prolonged illness.
“I had the privilege of meeting George Fernandes on a number of occasions and events during my days at Delhi University from 1988-94. He was then the strongest voice on Tibet whether he was serving inside or outside the government,” said President Dr Sangay.
“We lost a truly great friend of Tibet. May his soul be reborn soon and continue to serve for the betterment of humanity, India and Tibet.”
President further recalled, “During his tenure as Defence Minister, George Fernandes was the first Indian official to call out China as the No. 1 threat of India, which Indian people are now realising as true.”
As a mark of respect and mourning, Central Tibetan Administration will organise a prayer service tomorrow at T-Building.
Born on June 3, 1930, Mr Fernandes was a former trade unionist, politician, journalist, agriculturist, and member of Rajya Sabha from Bihar. He was a key member of the Janata Dal and the founder of the Samata Party. His last stint as a parliamentarian was as a Rajya Sabha MP between August 2009 and July 2010. Apart from being a Parliamentarian, Mr Fernandes also held ministerial portfolios such as defence, communications, industry, and railways.