Published 10:22 IST, October 14th 2019
Dalai Lama: We already enjoy freedom living in India for over 60 years
Tibetan leader in exile Dalai Lama has stated that he 'enjoys freedom' living in India and further said, 'we can teach the Chinese how to practise democracy.'
Advertisement
The leader of Tibet in exile, Dalai Lama addressing media persons on October 13, reportedly said he enjoys the freedom he experiences in India. The Tibetan leader in exile further stated, "We already enjoy freedom living in India for over 60 years. In one way I'm a refugee but I enjoy India's freedom," he said here.
'Pandit Nehru advised that the United Nations cannot do much'
On being asked about the freedom of Tibet, Dalai Lama recalled that the former Prime Minister of India Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru had advised him that the United Nations would not be able to do much in regards to "Tibetan freedom...since 1974...before that, we appealed to the UN. Pandit Nehru advised that the United Nations cannot do much. Sooner or later, much better to approach the Chinese and talk to them," he said.
'I think eventually we can teach the Chinese how to practice democracy'
"In '74, we decided to not seek independence. Try to remain...while we remain within the People's Republic of China, we should have certain rights for the preservation of our own culture," he added. In a witty remark, the Tibetan leader said they can teach the Chinese how to practice democracy. "Since 2001, I completely retired. The elected political leadership carry all these responsibilities. I think eventually we can teach Chinese how to practice democracy," he said. On October 6, it was reported that the Tibetan government-in-exile had passed a resolution reaffirming that the successor of Dalai Lama will be chosen by the spiritual leader himself and no nation has locus standi on the issue.
The Tibetan policy and Support Act of 2019
As the people of Tibet come to terms with the incomprehensible thought of the 14th Dalai Lama passing, the US is thinking of putting down a rule in terms of restricting China on selecting its successor for the sacred spiritual position. The Tibetan policy and Support Act of 2019 that has recently been tabled in the American Congress would initiate a penalty against any person from China who unnecessarily tries to get involved with the Tibetan practices of succession. A senior State Department official, David Stilwell, confessed that the US would not stop putting in efforts for a democratic environment for the people living in Tibet. He also said they believed that Tibetans like all other religious groups must have the freedom to perform their rituals and select their spiritual leaders. Stilwell further added that the Chinese party continues to impose itself in the Dalai Lama's 'reincarnation' process even after the Chinese president told his party members to portray themselves as firm communal atheists.
(INPUTS FROM ANI)
09:41 IST, October 14th 2019