DHARAMSHALA, November 10, 2016: On the occasion of the launch of his book titled “Saviours and Fools” author and activist James Rinaldi said that the prime approach and efforts for the Tibet issue now should be at regional level with India at the front. “The west has had 30 years to free Tibet and they blew it. It didn’t turn out well. My argument in my 20 years of working with the Tibetans is that the whole of Tibet issue is best approached not internationally but as regional issue with India taking the leads,” Rinaldi told ANI. “I truly believe that the time for China in the region is passing and I think its India’s time”, he added.
In recognition of India’s hospitality and beneficial efforts toward the Tibetans, the author and activist said, “India is working with Tibetans and helping them with their own level of self determination. If you remember they offered Tibetans their right to vote. They are helping them with social programs probably lending and property ownership. These are the kind that helps Tibetans on the ground”.
On his thoughts about Republican Donald Trump winning the US presidential election and its effect in relations with India, Rinaldi said, “Regarding Donald trump’s relation to India, I feel that he will not be engaging enough to make large difference but this tells me one thing that it’s India’s time for leadership”.
James Rinaldi is the current Director of Himalayan Aid and is a veteran Tibetan supporter, having given more than 15 years to working with Tibetan charities along the Himalayan.
His book “Saviours and Fools: Confessions of an American “Free Tibet” Activist and India’s Emerging Role in the Tibet Struggle” is an insightful memoir of Rinaldi coming to involve with the Tibet’s struggle, His arguments of how the west blew their stance on effective Tibetan advocacy, moving forward to the change in approach of the Tibet’s issue and Human rights in general and the game changing role India’s leadership.
