manashimaya
The visit of Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor to the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile on May 30, 2024, was a pivotal event in the long-lasting partnership between India and the Tibetan cause. The renowned MP from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Dr. Tharoor, has a notable background as a former UN Under-Secretary General and Union Minister of State for External Affairs. His presence was evidence of his steadfast support for the Tibetan people and their aspiration for independence.
Upon arrival at the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Dr. Shashi Tharoor and his delegation were warmly welcomed by Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang, alongside members of the Standing Committee and Public Accounts Committee. This warm reception set the tone for the day, reflecting the strong bonds between Indian leaders and the Tibetan representatives. MP Shashi Tharoor’s visit included a comprehensive guided tour of the parliament hall, providing him and his colleagues with a deeper understanding of the Tibetan parliamentary processes.
The honor of visiting His Holiness the Dalai Lama earlier in the day was enjoyed by MP Shashi Tharoor. The opportunity for Dr. Tharoor to engage in in-depth conversations with the esteemed spiritual leader made this audience a crucial component of the journey. Dr. Tharoor found significant resonance in His Holiness’s focus on the significance of religious harmony. His delegation, which included Christians, Muslims, and Hindus, represented a wide range of religious perspectives.
During the visit to the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang expressed profound gratitude for MP Shashi Tharoor’s steadfast support for the Tibetan cause. She highlighted his valuable contributions, including his presence at the 8th World Parliamentarians Convention on Tibet in Washington DC in 2022. The Deputy Speaker encouraged Dr. Tharoor’s continued involvement, particularly in the upcoming 9th World Parliamentarians Convention on Tibet. This recognition underscores the pivotal role that MP Shashi Tharoor plays in advocating for Tibetan rights on the global stage.
The Deputy Speaker also briefed the delegation on the Tibetan parliament’s advocacy programs across various Indian states. She underscored the critical importance of Tibet in the context of environmental conservation, national stability, and water resource management. This briefing was aimed at enhancing the delegation’s understanding of the multifaceted significance of Tibet, extending beyond its cultural and political dimensions.
In his address, MP Shashi Tharoor reaffirmed the enduring support that Tibet and its people have received from the Indian government and its citizens, transcending political affiliations. He reflected on the historical context, recalling India’s generous reception of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Tibetan refugees in 1959. Dr. Tharoor highlighted how the Dalai Lama’s messages of love and compassion have resonated globally, spreading values of peace and harmony.
MP Shashi Tharoor’s visit to the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile was not just a diplomatic gesture but a reaffirmation of his commitment to the Tibetan cause. As a member of the International Network of Parliamentarians on Tibet (INPaT), Dr. Tharoor’s support is crucial. His visit underscores the enduring bond between India and the Tibetan community, reflecting a shared commitment to justice and human rights.
In conclusion, the fact that Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor visited the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile demonstrates the strong ties between India and the Tibetan cause. It draws attention to the important part that Indian leaders have played in assisting Tibet in its efforts to gain autonomy and safeguard its unique cultural legacy. The need for continued international support and activism for the Tibetan people is brought home by this visit. The visit by Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor to the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile highlights the significance of this long-lasting partnership and the common ideals that unite these two communities.