DHARAMSHALA: A group of five delegates from Gandhi Peace Foundation today attended a press conference hosted by the Tibetan Parliamentary Secretariat at Lhakpa Tsering hall, Gangchen Kyishong.

As introduced by Mr. Karma Yeshi, one of the standing members of the Tibetan Parliament, the invitees include Chairperson Smt. Radha Bhatt, Secretary Shri. Kumar Prashant, Former Vice-Chancellor Shri Sudershan Iyengar, Former Secretary Shri. Surender Kumar and Secretary of West Bengal Peace Foundation Shri. Chandanpal.

Commentating on the close relationship between India and Tibet, Ms Bhatt said that the foundation has always stood for Tibet and will continue to do so in the future as well.

Expressing her concern over the waves of self-immolation in Tibet, she said, “ It’s not only about being sad but we should do something for Tibet. Thus we sent messages to different heads of nations, peace organizations in the world and have asked them to contact Chinese government and talk about it because it is something, which is the cruelest thing happening in Tibet under the Chinese government.”

Shri. Kumar Prashant said that Jawaharlal Nehru and Jayaprakash Narayan- the ‘J factor’ has played an essential part in the history of Tibet. It was the ‘J factor’ that initially built the ‘Indo-Tibet friendship’ that led to the exile of the Tibetans in India.

Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India whose moral and political support to Tibet, symbolized the support and solidarity from the Indian central government whereas Mr. Jayaprakash, represented the support from the Indian public and it was him who has organized the very first international conference on Tibet, he said.

“Thus, the tri-link between the J factor and His Holiness the Dalai Lama has become important and precious for us,” he added.

Quoting “Freedom is Priceless,” he further said that nothing overrates one’s freedom and if Tibet struggle has to continue, sacrifices have to be made. He also told that since Tibet’s struggle is based on non-violence, it should continue its course and one is sure to succeed through non-violent approach.

“Being a citizen of India, I urged the central government and the Indian Parliament to host a special session on Tibet addressed by Indian PM Mr. Modi and His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Calling His Holiness’s devolution of political authority to a democratic elected political leader in 2011 as a historic moment, Shri. Iyengar said that His Holiness has long been a symbol of Tibet and today, after such a political transition, each and every Tibetan must work harder and must represent him.

The delegations have attended the ongoing Parliament session followed by discussions on Tibet related issues with the Kashag members. They have also met representatives of various NGOs in Dharamshala.

The Tibetan Parliament in exile organized a dinner reception in honour of their visit to Dharamshala.