By Tenzin Monlam
DHARAMSHALA, April 11: Tibetan leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Sunday attended a photo exhibition titled ‘Thank You Dalai Lama’ showcasing photographs of the Tibetan leader by a veteran Indian journalist Vijay Kranti, a man who has captured the Tibetan leader through his lenses during his 43 years of association with the Tibetan people.
Vijay Kranti, a photographer, journalist and a long time friend of Tibet described the exhibition as an, “An Indian photographer’s artistic tribute to the success story of a peaceful and brave refugee community, its monk leader the Dalai Lama and their magnanimous hosts — the people and Government of India.”
Vijay says his Holiness was nostalgic when he was going through the photographs, noting how much younger some of the other people looked in the pictures.
“His Holiness was very happy and pleased with all the photographs and he also recognized many photos taken during the time when I travelled with him years ago. So it was also a jog down personal memory lane as well,” Vijay Kranti told Phayul.
He said that the Dalai Lama referred to him as an ‘old friend’ and was very kind and appreciative about the exhibition, which celebrates the life of His Holiness through a photographer’s eyes.
“When Tibetans initiated ‘Thank You India’ campaign in 2009 to thank India for hosting Tibetans for 50 years, I thought it was equally important for us to thank His Holiness for gracing India. So I, on behalf of the Indian people thank him through this initiative,” said the veteran journalist.
The BJP General Secretary Ram Lal, columnist and BJP Rajya Sabha Member Balbir Punj and Vijay’s family attended the exhibition.
The exhibition features more than 250 photographs showcasing the 80-year-old leader under various circumstances and events from an early age. The exhibition would last for a week till April 15.
Along with the exhibition, additional attractions were a butter sculpture and Cheresig (Avalokiteśvara) sand mandala created by monks from Nechung Monastery and Namgyal Monastery respectively. The exhibition also showcased painted and appliqué Thangka paintings.
He has authored a 74-page graphic novel covering the search for the14th Dalai Lama, Sino–Tibetan relationship before 1959, fleeing into exile and winning the Nobel Peace Prize, among others. The book is in both English and Tibetan languages.
