By Tenzin Dharpo
DHARAMSHALA, May 27: The egalitarian Tibetan leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama today reiterated his disappointment for the developments that occurred in the run up to the recent Tibetan general elections in what he called a “dip in the moral standards” of the Tibetan polity.
The Tibetan leader was speaking at the swearing – in ceremony of Tibetan Prime Minister elect Lobsang Sangay’s second term on Friday at the courtyard of Tsuglakhang in the presence of guests including Shri R K Khrimey, MLA and Advisor to the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, the Chief Justice Commissioner of the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission Kargyu Dhondup, out-going Speaker of the TPiE Penpa Tsering, Indian and Tibetan dignitaries and around 3500 Tibetans cheering on during the swearing-in ceremony.
While reaffirming the overall progress of the exile set up, the Tibetan leader asserted that the foundations on which the community stands should not be abandoned. He said, “It is a cause for pride what we have achieved here in exile for all these years. As Sikyong mentioned, we must strengthen it further. So that is positive. And since any phenomenon has both positives and the negatives, the developments that transpired during the campaign season indicated a dip in the moral standards which was disappointing. The actions of a few also portrayed a danger of inciting regionalism and sectarianism, which is very unfortunate.”
“The foundation of moral principle, truth and transparency on which our existence (in exile) depend are being undermined. Tibetans as people have always stood together in moments of joy as well as time of despair; the emergence of fragmentation along the lines of regionalism and sectarianism should be collectively avoided. We must recognize these occurrences as mistakes and work towards avoiding them. Everyone from the leaders, the staffs and even the masses should understand that,” he further added.
The Dalai Lama also raised concerns on the divisive mentality of religious leaders who broach differences on the basis of the colors of their hats and sects, reminding the entirety of Buddhist practitioners as “followers of a common Buddha”. “If you consider me even as your friend, then you should listen to what I have said,” the Tibetan leader concluded.
The incumbent Sikyong who recently won the second term took the oath reassuring his commitment for yet another five years as the head of the Tibetan polity. In his inaugural speech, the Harvard graduate pledged to “strive fully in realizing the aspirations of the Tibetan people in his (Dalai Lama) lifetime. “All Tibetans irrespective of provincial, regional or religious biases share the same aspiration. With this spirit of our oneness as brothers and sisters, I hope that Tibetans in and outside Tibet will continue to extend their support and solidarity in my effort,” said Sangay.
The head of the Kashag (cabinet) also pledged to strengthen efforts in areas such as amending electoral rules and regulations (which have come under severe criticism), the development in administering preventive healthcare, confronting Shugden propitiators’ maligning campaigns towards the Dalai Lama and resuming dialogue with Beijing.
