London: Mr Thubten Samdup, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the Office of Tibet, London, visited the University of St. Andrews in Scotland on Friday, 28 October. A guest of the Centre for the Study of Religion and Politics (CSRP) located at St. Mary’s College, Mr. Samdup, addressed a group of staff and students of the university together with Tibet supporters and members of the Tibet Society of the university. The CSRP is currently involved in a research project that covers the history of Tibet from 1391 to 2006. In his address Mr Samdup, spoke of the international recognition of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and His Holiness’ contribution to peace and non-violence. Further, he explained some of the changes that have occurred within the Central Tibetan Administration following the handing over of all political powers and responsibilities by His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the democratically elected leadership in exile. Mr Samdup explained in his talk the Middle Way approach of the Central Tibetan Administration in resolving the Tibetan issue whereby the CTA is calling for genuine autonomy for the Tibetan people within the People’s Republic of China and not independence as the Chinese authorities repeatedly claim. Mr Samdup also spoke about the current situation inside Tibet including the tragic cases of Tibetan self-immolation that have occurred particularly since March this year as a protest against the ongoing repressive policies of the Chinese authorities. The visit ended with a lunch organized by the Tibet Society of the University of St. Andrews. Earlier in the month on Sunday 2 October, on the International Day of Non-violence and Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday, His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Representative was invited as a keynote speaker by Edinburgh Inter Faith Association. The Annual Lecture was opened by the Consul General of India Mr. Anil Kumar Anand. While in Edinburgh, Mr. Samdup was also invited to speak at the St Thomas of Aquin’s High School. The audience for this talk was slightly younger group of over 50 students aged 15-17. Mr Samdup explained how His Holiness the Dalai Lama emphasised the responsibility that the young had to ensure that this 21st Century become a century of dialogue as opposed to the 20th Century which had been one of war and violence. Mr Samdup also spoke about the Tibetan issue and how, in their own ways, the students can help the Tibetan struggle for greater rights and freedoms in Tibet. The talk was warmly and appreciatively received and followed by a lively Q&A session. Following the visit by the Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, one of the St Thomas’ students present wrote: “It was an inspiring event for us all and one we will not forget. We were lucky to have the privilege of meeting Thubten Samdup. Many of us are now determined to help Tibetans in any way we can. We encourage all to do the same”.