By Phurbu Thinley
Dharamsala, July 25: The Kashag of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) has congratulated Mrs Pratibha Patil, for being elected as the 12th President of India, according to the official website of CTA.
Mrs Patil Pratibha Patil today took over as the first woman President of India at the swearing-in-ceremony held in the Central Hall of Parliament. She was administered oath of office and secrecy by the first Dalit Chief Justice of India K G Balakrishnan.
“We believe that your elevation to this most important of post is a clear recognition of your many years of service to the people of India.” Kalon Tripa Samdhong Rinpoche, was quoted as saying in a congratulatory letter to Mrs Patil.
“We take this opportunity to wish Your Excellency every success in the discharge of your heavy responsibilities as the President of the Indian Union,” Kalon Tripa wrote in his letter.
“We pray that Your Excellency will be guided by wisdom and courage in your service to the people of this great nation,” the exile Tibetan Prime Minister wrote.
The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile has also congratulated Mrs Pratibha Patil, on her presidential election victory in a letter dated July 23.
In the letter, Tibetan Parliamentary Secretary Mr Ngawang Tsultrim had expressed hope that India, under the leadership of Mrs. Pratibha, will “further strengthen the existing cordial relationship between the Indian Government and His Holiness the Dalai Lama”.
“We look forward for your continued support for the cause of Tibet,” the letter reads.
The congratulatory letter also expressed gratitude for the people of India for their humanitarian assistance extended to the Tibetan refugees for the last 50 years.
Tibetan Government-in-exile headed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama is based in Dharamsala in northern India.
