Dharamshala — On the occasion of the 28th birth anniversary of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama of Tibetan Buddhism, the Central Tibetan Administration has released a new video– titled "Missing- the Panchen Lama of Tibet," featuring messages from political personalities from six different countries across the world.
The personalities who spoke out include Dr Arno Kompatscher, the President of South Tyrol in Italy, Senator Michel Raison, Senator Andre Gattolin and Senator Annick Billon from France, Maya Garf, Member of Parliament, from Switzerland, Consiglio Di. Nino, Former Senator from Canada, Senator Lisa Singh from Australia, Yashwant Sinha, Former Foreign and Finance Minister, Government of India, Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Ninong Ering and Thupstan Chhewang, Members of Indian Parliament.
Dr Arno Kompatscher, the President of South Tyrol, Italy wishes the Panchen Lama of Tibe "all the best". Dr. Kompatscher reiterated South Tyrol's support to the missing Panchen Lama and people of Tibet.
Senators of French Parliament; Senator Michel Raison, Senator Andre Gattolin and Senator Annick Billon expressed their concern over not seeing the Panchen Lama of Tibet for over 22 years, and expressed hope to celebrate his "next birthday in Tibet."
Maya Garf, Member of Swiss Parliament extended birthday wishes to the Panchen Lama and said she is anxious to know about his present situation.
Consiglio Di. Nino, Former Senator from Canada expressed hope that the Panchen Lama of Tibet is "well" and "safe" and wished the Panchen Lama could "come back."
Senator Lisa Singh from Australia said "we are sharing love and compassion" for the Panchen Lama. She wished him peace and happiness on his birthday and said he is "always in our thoughts."
Yashwant Sinha, Former Foreign and Finance Minister, Government of India, on the behalf of the people of India, wished the Panchen Lama on his birthday.
Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Member of IndiaN Parliament on behalf of Government of India and Bharat Janata Party (BJP), wished Panchen Lama "long life" and prayed to "get his blessing soon."
Ninong Ering, Member of Indian Parliament said that the people of Arunachal Pradesh and India hope that wherever the Panchen Lama of Tibet may be, "he is safe and sound," expressed hope that "he will come back" to this free world soon.
Thupstan Chhewang, Member of Indian Parliament hoped that the Panchen Lama of Tibet "will very soon come back to the free world."
According to International Relations' Secretary Sonam Norbu Dagpo: "though Panchen Lama's birthday is a joyous occasion but it is a sad one because Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, a six-year old boy recognized by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1995 as the XIth Panchen Lama of Tibet has been missing for over 22 years."
DIIR Information Secretary Dhardon Sharling said, 'the word 'Missing' is significant because the Panchen Lama has been 'missing' for over two decades and Tibetans, Buddhists and devotees across the globe have been 'missing' him and have echoed their faith and aspiration to see him alive and free."
You can click here to watch the video, released by the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) of the CTA.
Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was just 6 years old when he was recognized by His Holiness the Dalai Lama as the 11th Panchen Lama, one of Tibet's most important religious leaders. Just after Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and his family were taken into custody by the Chinese authorities and he has not been seen since.
Tibetans, Tibet supporters, human rights organisations and world governments have consistently urged China to release Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, but these appeals continue to go unheeded.
For two decades the Chinese authorities have denied requests from governments and the United Nations for access to Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and his family, claiming that he was leading a normal life and does not wish to be disturbed.
