His Holiness’ message to 2nd All India TSGs Conference
Friday, 13 October 2006, 4:00 p.m.
Dharamshala: In his message to the Second All India Tibet Support Groups’ Conference being held at Bodh Gaya, His Holiness the Dalai Lama expressed his appreciation to all the Indian friends for their consistent support for the Tibetan cause.
His Holiness said, “Because of the centuries old close relationship between India and Tibet, and because India is Tibet’s immediate southern neighbour, I have always considered the concern and support from this country to be of the utmost importance.
“I am encourged that this conference will be graced by His Excellency Shri R.S. Gavai, the Governor of Bihar, and Shri Nitish Kumar, the Chief Minister of the state.”
Following is the full text of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s message.
I am very happy to know that the members of the All Party India Parliamentary Forum for Tibet and around 400 Indian Tibet supporter from various parts of the country will attend the second All India Tibet Support Groups’ Conference at Bodh Gaya from 13-15 October 2006.
I am encouraged that this conference will be graced by His Excellency Shri R.S. Gavai, the Governor of Bihar, and Shri Nitish Kumar, the Chief Minister of the state.
I feel that the choice of Bodh GAya as the venue for this importance conference is appropriate. It is at Bodh Gaya that the Buddha attained enlightenment more than 2500 years ago, which showed humanity the path to freedom from suffering. I hope that this conference will set in motion a range of activities that will eventually allow the log-suffering people of Tibet to live in freedom and dignity.
I take this opportunity to thank all my Indian friends who sympathize with the plight of the Tibetan people. Because of the centuries old close relationship between India and Tibet, and because India is Tibet’s immediate southern neighbour, I have always considered the concern and support from this country to be of the utmost importance.
I want to express my appreciation for their long-standing and consistent efforts to highlight the sad situation in Tibet-in India and elsewhere.
I wish all the participants at this conference every success in your deliberation.
With my prayers and good wishes,
signed
October 6, 2006
