MOSCOW:The second anniversary of successful democratic transition following His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s devolution of political power and authority to the democratically elected Tibetan leadership was observed in the capital of Russia on 8 August. The event was organised by Moscow-based Tibet House with cooperation of Tibet Culture & Information Center at the prestigious “House of Journalists Union” in the center of Moscow.  

Marking two years since Dr. Lobsang Sangay was sworn in on 8 August 2011 as the political leader of the Tibetan people, the congratulatory letter sent to Sikyong by Russian NGO was read out by vice-president of Tibet House, Nadya Berkengeym. ” …  This event is of great importance for future of the whole Tibetan people. All of us can see that your efforts are focused on benefit of national interests of Tibet, strengthening of its international prestige, peaceful dialogue and support for the Tibet people. … You are the true national political leader of the Tibetan people…,” the letter noted.

Speaking on the occasion Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Russia  and CIS, Nawang Rabgyal, narrated on the greater democratisation of Tibetan nation. “With separation of the Church and State on 8 August 2011, His Holiness the Dalai Lama is our supreme spiritual leader and Dr. Lobsang Sangay became our political leader. His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s’ far-sighted vision and sincere decision was highly appreciated by many world leaders and democracy-loving people”, Representative Rabgyal said.

On this occasion, the Russian publication of the White Paper: Why Tibet is  Burning ?, translated and published by Tibet House, was released to the media. Releasing it at Press Center in Moscow, Representative Rabgyal and Vice-President Berkengeym spoke about the underlying causes of the increasing number of self-immolations that are currently engulfing in Chinese-occupied Tibet.

It was followed by screening of the interview given by Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay to Russian national TV channel – REN TV 3 in Dharamsala in January 2013. The interview focuses on His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s devolution of political authority to the democratically-elected Tibetan leadership, democracy in exile, current situation in Tibet and self-immolation, Russian-Tibetan historical contact and spiritual connection, Dr. Sangay’s life story and his interest in Russian history and literature. It was well received by the audience. (The gist of the interview was shown in national TV 3 on 31 January and 2 February 2013.)

The audience took great interest in Tibetan affairs and asked many questions, which were answered by Representative Nawang Rabgyal and Tibet House head  Nadya Berkengeym. Russian TV-3 Chief Producer, Matveeva Oksana, who had interviewed Sikyon Dr. L. Sangay, narrated her good observation in Dharamsala. In conclusion, Secretary of  Russian Journalists Union, Larisa Shamukova, expressed her appreciation of the event and assured her cooperation in future.

The prayer service for the noble cause of Tibet and Tibetans was organised at Retreat Center of Green Tara Dharma Center, led by Geshe Jampa Thinley in Buryat Republic.