MOSCOW: On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s first visit to Tuva Republic in September 1992, the Tibetan delegation, led by Representative Nawang Rabgyal and Ven. Geshe Lhakdor, was welcomed recently at Kyzyl, capital of Tuva Republic in Russian Federation.
Tuva Parliament Speaker Mr Dawa Kan-ool Timyrovitch warmly received the Tibetan delegation at his office and expressed his happiness in meeting with Tibetan official delegation and conveyed the highest regards and greetings to His Holiness and Tibetan people. Representative Nawang Rabgyal briefed him about the greater democratisation in Tibetan community-in-exile and His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s devolution of political power to the democratically elected Tibetan political leader Dr Lobsang Sangay.
Tibetan delegation had meeting with members of Friends of Tibet Society (FTS) in Tuva and presented traditional scarf to out-going president Mrs. Uliyana Pavlona and newly elected president, Mrs Balgan Ailana. Representative Rabgyal thanked them for their support to Tibet cause and briefed about the critical situation prevailing in Tibet. With Flame of Truth torch and Tibetan Memorial Quilts Exhibition, members of FTS and Tibetans held prayers for solidarity with Tibetans suffering in occupied-Tibet.
Ven. Geshe Lhakdor, Director of Tibetan Library, and Mr Sergey Oktyevitch Ondar, Tuva University Rector, signed an agreement for the cultural and educational cooperation and exchange. During their one week (8-15 September) visit to Tuva Republic, Geshe Lhakdor gave a series of teachings and public talks at temple, schools, institutes and university of Tuva. Representative Rabgyal joined in public talks. They participated in the International Conference on Language and Culture Problem in Asia, which was organized by Tuva Culture Ministry.
President of Tuva Republic Mr. Sholban Kara-ool received the Tibetan delegation with representatives of two major religions in Tuva ( Buddhism and Russian Orthodox Church) at his office in White House on 15th September. They exchanged traditional scarves and greetings. Geshe Lhakdor briefed about three main commitments of His Holiness, which was followed by rejoinder from Representative Rabgyal.
On 15th September, at the public celebration of 98th anniversary of Kyzyl city, Tibetan delegation joined it and conveyed greetings on behalf of His Holiness and Tibetan people. People of Tuva have been eagerly waiting and praying for the early visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Tuva Republic is located at Siberian region of Russia. Its civilization dates back to 2700 years, according to the recent German archaeological findings. It was independent nation till 1944, when it became a part of Soviet Union. Its people are from Turkish race, not Mongolian. The peoples of Tibet and Tuva have long historical, culture and religious contact and connection since 18th century, when the Buddhism began to spread in Tuva region. They eat Tsampa and Yak is common animal.