MANDI, HP: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Jairam Thakur attended the 20th All India Meeting of Bharat Tibbat Sahyog Manch held at Vipasha Sadhan in Mandi on 6 May.

Besides Chief Minister Shri Jairam Thakur, dignitaries at the event include Power Minister Shri Anil Sharma, MP Shri Ram Swaroop Sharma, Health Kalon Choekyong Wangchuk, BTSM Chiarman Shri Harjit Singh, and around 350 members of Bharat Tibbat Sahyog Manch. At least 2000 people including both Tibetans and Indian from the nearby area also attended the event.

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, in his address, said that Himachal Pradesh and Tibet used to share a historical border before 1959. However, he said that as a result of Tibet’s occupation by China, HIs Holiness the Dalai Lama has to come into exile and seek refuge in Dharamshalal.

He further explained that Himachal Pradesh was blessed as His Holiness the Dalai Lama had chosen the state as his second abode and it was due to his presence that Dharamshala has emerged as a world famous destination.

“His Holiness the Dalai Lama has a special love for the state and its people,” he said, while speaking on the occasion and added that Bharat Tibet Sahyog Manch is doing a commendable service in providing an apt platform for deliberating on the burning issues related to Tibet.

Health Kalon Choekyong Wangchuk in his address said that since the establishment of Bharat Tibbat Sahyog Manch in 1999, it has initiated a program of working for the cause of Tibet. “This initiative has been going on in full strength and vigor. And I am sure that this initiative will be successful with the blessings and efforts of everyone involved,” he said.

He further thanked the people and government of Himachal Pradesh for their hospitality to the Tibetan people. “As the Chief Minister and Power Minister are here, I would like to inform them that the Tibetan people are living in the state harmoniously for the last six decades. And this is because of the love and hospitality of the people and the government of the state.”

Shri R K Khrimey, in his address, talked about the situation of Arunachal Pradesh and Tibet.

“The only difference between Tibetans in India and Arunachalis is that we Arunachalis are in India but China doesn’t accept us as Indians. Meanwhile, they have kicked out Tibetans who are staying inside Tibet which they have forcibly occupied.”

“In the Sino-Indian war of 1962, India was defeated. After that, we have remained cautious with China which eventually made India look insecure. However, China’s policies and activities inside Tibet didn’t please the Arunchalis. As a result, Arunachalis always considered themselves as patriotic Indians.”

“Now, India is a much different country from what it was in 1962. Under the leadership of Prime minister Narendra Modi, India’s position has further solidified as a strong nation,” he said.