DHARAMSHALA: A delegation of Indian and foreign dignitaries today joined Tibetans to celebrate and felicitate Dr. Lobsang Sangay who was sworn in as the 3rd democratically elected Kalon Tripa of the Central Tibetan Administration yesterday.
The dignitaries consisting of members of Parliaments from Japan, Taiwan, Mongolia, Nepal, European Parliament, Italy and members of Tibet Support Groups took part in the celebration.
They vowed to continue their strong support and solidarity with Tibetans to improve the situation inside Tibet and to help them in realising their aspiration to return to their homeland.
Speaking on the momentous occasion, Dr. Yang Jianli, President of Initiatives for China-USA, said: “I am honoured and humbled to lead a delegation of Chinese to attend and speak at today’s celebration of inauguration of Lobsang Sangay as the prime minister of the Central Tibetan Administration. I am honoured because I am with you whose extraordinary struggle for freedom and the advancement of democracy has won worldwide respect. I am humbled because your suffering has been at the hand of a government that is largely made of Han Chinese, an ethnicity of which I am a member.”
“Congratulations on this momentous occasion to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, whose leadership has once again proved extraordinary. Thanks to his wisdom, vision and determination and the Tibetans in exile have step by step a full fledged democracy in their community,” Dr. Yang said.
“Congratulations Mr. Lobsang Sangay. His commitment, visions and willingness to serve the people of Tibet have won him their trust. You are up to the test and I wish you very good luck,” he said.
“Congratulations to the Tibet people on this momentous occasion. Your achievements in democracy and struggle for freedom and the Middle-Way Approach upheld by His Holiness the Dalai Lama have become twin monuments not only in the history of Tibet, but also in the history of mankind. You are the hope and beacon of hope to many people, including Han Chinese under the rule of the communist regime. You are fortunate to have His Holiness the Dalai Lama as your spiritual leader and Dr. Lobsang Sangay as the political leader, as you continue to travel the difficult journey towards home and freedom,” Dr Yang said.
He said the Tibetan issue is not an issue limited to China and Tibet, and its not a political issue. “It is a moral issue facing all of humanity,” he added.
“The Chinese government has no choice but to face the Tibetan issue through open dialogue with Lobsang Sangay,” Dr. Yang said.
He said “the dawn of freedom, justice and truth for Tibetans and Chinese will one day break. This will happen if we remain united and walk together.”
Addressing the occasion, Eva Lichtenberger, MEP, Vice-President of the Greens/EFA Group, said: “We assure you that Tibet and the problems of the Tibetan people will remain in the center of heart in the European Parliament.”
“We are very much concerned about the situation in Tibet, which needs major improvement in terms of socio-economic and political rights of the Tibetan people. We will not stop to achieve this major improvement,” she said.
She further said the European Parliament hold hearings on religious freedom in Tibet and the prospect of realisation of genuine autonomy under the framework of the Chinese constitution.
The situation of Tibetans living inside Tibet would really improve if the international community keeps on encouraging the Chinese government, she said.
Mr Matteo Macacci, Member of Italian Parliament and Co-chair of International Network of Parliamentarian for Tibet, spoke about the continuous evolution and advancement of democracy across the world, alluding to people’s uprisings in Tunisia, Libya and Egypt.
He extolled the non-violent approach of the Tibetan Administration and the tradition of compassion, love, and cooperation.
“China is powerful, but not stable,” he said, saying that a society based on fear would not last long.
Calling today an important day in history and an example for the whole world, he expressed hope that one day there would be a “free Tibet and a free China.”
Dr. N.K. Trikha, National Convener of the Core Group for the Tibet Cause in India, spoke very strongly in support of Tibetans and their new democratic paradigm. He said that what is happening to Tibetans and their culture is “absolutely unacceptable to every Indian” and called for the return of “honour and dignity” to the Tibetan people.
“I assure you that we Indians will do everything we can,” he said to the new Kalon Tripa. “Tibet is in the hearts and minds of India.”
Mr Batragal Batbayar, member of Mongolian, congratulated Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay and the Tibetan people for their achievements in democracy. He said His Holiness the Dalai Lama is deeply revered by the Mongolians who share thousand years of bond with Tibetans in spiritual and temporal realms.
In a congratulatory message, Mr Ajit Singh, Member of Indian Parliament and President of Rashtriya Lok Dal, writes: “I was willing to come but due to viral fever I can not attend your programme. I reiterate that people of India and our Party share and sympathise with Tibetans as ever before. I send my congratulations and best wishes for your successful tenure.”
Mr Yashwant Sinha, former Finance Minister of India, said: “On behalf of All Party Indian Parliamentarians Forum for Tibet (APIPFT) and its members, I extend my apology for not being able to make this event. Nevertheless, I must, however, reiterate that the people of India, share and sympathise with Tibetans as ever before.”
“With the reconstituted APIPFT in February 2011 and as its convener, I would like to assure you that we will continue to work and support for the restoration of basic rights and freedom of the Tibetan people. Congratulations and best wishes for your successful tenure,” Mr Sinha said.
Representatives of Tibetan institutions, non-governmental organisations and welfare associations offered traditional greeting scarves (Khatags) and bouquets to greet Kalon Tripa Dr. Lobsang Sangay as their new political leader.
