Dharamshala — The US congressional delegation sends a message of hope, justice and freedom for Tibetans inside Tibet and the world, President Dr Lobsang Sangay said in Dharamshala, India, where a high-level bipartisan US Congressional delegation led by Representatives Nancy Pelosi and Jim Sensenbrenner, was warmly greeted by thousands of Tibetans and supporters.
Describing "His Holiness the Dalai Lama as the life and soul of Tibet," President Dr Lobsang Sangay, said the people of Tibet believes "His Holiness the Dalai Lama is the manifestation of the Buddha of compassion (Chenresig). The Buddha and Tibetans are inseparable."
"Dalai Lamas and Tibetans are also forever connected. Therefore, as long as there is Tibet and as long as there is Tibetan people, His Holiness the Dalai Lama will return to this world to alleviate the sufferings of the Tibetan people," said Dr Sangay, who is the democratically elected President of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).
In a stirring opening address President Lobsang Sangay paid tribute to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, asserting that the Dalai Lamas and the Tibetan people are inseparable from one another—"As long as there is a Tibet, Chenresig will be there."
Dr Sangay went on to express his gratitude for the delegation's visit that he said sent a message of encouragement to Tibetans in Tibet, an indication of the importance of justice to China and a sign of friendship and support for Tibetans to the rest of the world.
The President also thanked Leader Nancy Pelosi for implementing almost all the promises that she has made to him during their meeting at Washington DC three years ago.
President Dr Sangay voiced his admiration for Nancy Pelosi as a politician who does more than "talk the talk", she also "walks the walk". He mentioned her visit to Tibet during which she bluntly told the Chinese authorities, "His Holiness the Dalai Lama commands the respect of people around the world, including us."
"I met Leader Pelosi and Representative McGovern at DC three years ago. During the meeting, she gratefully promised me eight things. Seven of the promises were already implemented. This is a symbol of your dedication and support. One of the promises was a visit to Tibet and the other was to visit Dharamshala. And in 2015, Leader Pelosi led a congressional delegation to Tibet and had a frank discussion with Chinese leaders," Dr Sangay exclaimed.
The President stressed that the 147 Tibetans who have committed self-immolation in their determination to demonstrate to the world that the occupation of Tibet is unacceptable and the oppression there is unbearable, the added.
"Two years ago, The Freedom House showed Tibet right at the bottom just above Syria. Similarly, Reporters Without Borders have said that it's more difficult to visit Tibet than North Korea," President Dr Sangay said.
"This only confirms our worst fears about the situation inside Tibet," Dr Sangay said and requested the US government to continue supporting the Tibetan movement based on the Middle Way Approach.
"The Tibetan spirit will survive because of the support of friends like you who acknowledge and support the justice of our cause. There has been American support for Tibet since President Franklin Roosevelt sent a watch and a letter to His Holiness when he was young."
In 2002 the Tibetan Policy Act was passed and we hope that a new coordinator for Tibet will soon be appointed. You have also given us financial support for which we are grateful."
President Dr Sangay stated that just as Nelson Mandela had eventually walked free and restored democracy to South Africa, just as Aung San Suu Kyi had eventually walked free in Burma and just as the Good Friday agreement had eventually been signed in Northern Ireland, he was convinced that Tibet's day too will come because Tibetans have friends like those in the delegation.
He looked forward to His Holiness the Dalai Lama walking free in the streets of Lhasa and giving the Kalachakra Empowerment before the Potala Palace, where Tibetan and Chinese Buddhists alike will receive it.
"On that happy day, when the dreams of the Tibetan people are fulfilled and the bell of freedom chimes in Tibet, we will invite you to join us again. Justice and freedom will prevail in Tibet thanks to our friends' support. Long live His Holiness the Dalai Lama."
The president concluded by saying: "You have seen the US government step up and help fund Tibetans in keeping their culture and traditions alive here in Dharamshala and elsewhere in the world. And the United States will continue to stand by Tibet until Tibet is free and justice is served."
The President also touched on the CTA's emphasis on women empowerment as per His Holiness the Dalai Lama's wishes. He said "His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a big time advocate for women rights. In 1963, just a few years after we came into exile, we had the first women representatives in Tibetan Parliament. Since then, His Holiness is the biggest advocate of women's rights earning the epithet 'the feminist Dalai Lama'."
Tibet was invaded by Communist China in 1949. Since that time, over 1.2 million out of 6 million Tibetans have been killed, over 6000 monasteries have been destroyed and acts of murder, rape, arbitrary imprisonment, torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment were inflicted on the Tibetans inside Tibet. Beijing continues to call this a "peaceful liberation".
