The Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh addressing during the launching ceremony of Himalayan International Festival-2014 at Macleodganj in Kangra district on Wednesday.
City Air News photo: Arvind Sharma
Dharamsala, December 10, 2014: “We don’t consider Tibetans as foreigners but as inseparable part of the family of the people of Himachal Pradesh and we sincerely wish them to flourish and we will always be by their side to assist and ensure their development in all spheres”, said Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on the occasion of the launching ceremony of Himalayan International Festival-2014 at the main Tibetan temple (Tsuglagkhang) of Dalai lama in Macleodganj in Dharamsala on Wednesday.
Appreciating the effort of the spiritual leader Dalai Lama for bringing peace and harmony in the world, Singh said that Dalai Lama is an apostle of compassion and non-violence having profound thoughts like Mahatma Gandhi and had dedicated his entire life for the freedom struggle of Tibet and spreading the message of peace, harmony and happiness in the world. “Not only HE is working for the world peace but is also serving for mankind as a whole and for the noble cause of humanity,” he added.
The Chief Minister said that it is sad that all centers of religious faith and monastic institution in Tibet remain under tight restrictions and every one must wish for the success of efforts of the Dalai Lama.
“My relations with his holiness Dalai Lama been very cordial and we feel proud that Dalai Lama has chosen Himachal as his second home”, said the Chief Minister, adding that not only the people of the entire State but entire world wish a liberation for Tibet.
It is a matter of great pride that the festival falls in line with 25th Anniversary of the conferment of Noble Peace prize on his holiness Dalai Lama today said the Chief Minister, adding that the festival which started in 1995 would be more strengthened in times to come.
He expressed hope that his holiness Dalai Lama would be guiding force for the people of Tibet in times to come and his followers would also tread on the path of altruism and non -violence shown by him.
Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister of Tibetan Government in exile Dr. Lobsang Sangay said that the Tibetan Government was really honoured by the presence of the Chief Minister on this grand occasion.
He said since 1987 the general masses of Tibetans in Tibet had continued to carry out successive campaigns and peaceful protests. The people of Tibet would continue in their endeavours for liberation of their country and since 2009 as many as 132 Tibetans of all age groups had been felt driven to carry out protests self-immolations, sacrificing their lives for the sake of the accomplishing liberation for themselves and the others with them.
Speaker of the Tibetan Government in exile, Shri Penpa Tsering also spoke on the occasion.
Vijay Singh Mankotia, Vice-Chairman, HP Tourism Development Board, in his address said that the State Government was committed to promote tourism in a big way in Macleodganj also known as Mini Lahasa in India.
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Date:
Wednesday, December 10, 2014