Dharamshala — His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Speaker of Tibetan Parliament-in-exile expressed their condolences on the passing away of the US President Jimmy Carter on Monday. His Holiness wrote, "President Carter lived a truly meaningful life with decades of untiring efforts to help the poor and downtrodden, to seek peaceful solutions to conflicts and to advance democracy and human rights throughout the world."
His Holiness the Dalai Lama wrote to Chip Carter, the President’s son, at the Carter Center, on December 30, 2024 to offer his condolences on the passing away of his father President Jimmy Carter, on December 29, 2024.
His Holiness wrote, "President Carter lived a truly meaningful life with decades of untiring efforts to help the poor and downtrodden, to seek peaceful solutions to conflicts and to advance democracy and human rights throughout the world. To have remained active over the course of such a long life set an example to us all of how to live our lives in the service of others. The Nobel Committee recognized his contribution to the welfare of humanity when it bestowed the Nobel Peace Prize on him in 2002."
"In addition, the Tibetan people and I remain ever grateful to President Carter for his deep interest in and concern for the situation in Tibet and for undertaking initiatives to help alleviate the plight our people," His Holiness concluded his letter.
Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, also wrote to Chip Carter, on December 31, 2024, to express profound sadness and extended heartfelt condolences on the passing of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter.
Speaker wrote, " It is with profound sadness that I learned the demise of your beloved father, the Hon’ble former President of the United States, Mr Jimmy Carter. He was a close friend of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and had shown deep concern on the plight of Tibetan people. His unwavering efforts in promoting peace, human rights and social development to the most needy globally, culminated in his receipt of the Nobel Peace Prize."
"With his demise, the United States and the world at large have lost a leader whose commitment to human rights has touched countless lives. His compassionate spirit and dedication to serving humanity will be remembered with great respect and admiration. His legacy as a champion of peace, democracy, and human dignity will continue to inspire generations to come," he added.
"On behalf of the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all his well-wishers. I offer my sincere prayers and homage for the departed leader. The Tibetan people are with you in this moment of grief, and may his soul rests in peace," concluded the Speaker.
The leaders and staff of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) held a prayer service on December 30, 2024, to mourn the demise of the 13th Prime Minister of India, Shri Manmohan Singh, who passed away on December 26, 2024, and the 39th U.S. President, Honourable Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29, 2024.
During the prayer service, the officiating Sikyong, Education Minister Tharlam Dolma Changra said, "They were both prominent leaders who strongly supported the Tibetan cause. They reflected on the profound impact of shaping the global conversation on human rights, justice, and the importance of peaceful coexistence. The Central Tibetan Administration extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved families of the departed leaders, and our thoughts and prayers were with them during this difficult time."
"Their legacies will continue to inspire generations of individuals who strive for justice, peace, and the protection of human rights worldwide," she added.
Then the officiating Sikyong read brief biographies of the two late world leaders:
Brief Bio of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh:
Dr. Manmohan Singh was born on 26 September 1932 in Gah, Punjab (now in Pakistan). He was a prominent Indian economist and politician who served as the 13th Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014. The late Prime Minister completed his education at Punjab University and later earned a doctorate in economics from the University of Oxford.
Dr Singh played a key role in India’s economic reforms during the 1990s when he served as the Finance Minister under Prime Minister Shri P.V. Narasimha Rao. His tenure saw the liberalisation of the Indian economy, which transformed the nation’s global economic standing. As Prime Minister, Dr Singh continued to foster economic growth, signed historic international agreements, and advocated for global peace and security. His leadership was instrumental in advancing the Tibetan issue, where he consistently supported the rights of Tibetans and the preservation of Tibetan culture.
After stepping down from his role as Prime Minister, Dr Singh remained a respected figure in Indian politics and a strong advocate for international cooperation. He passed away on 26 December 2024, leaving behind a legacy of intellectual leadership, economic reform, and diplomacy.
Brief Bio of President Jimmy Carter:
James Earl Carter Jr., known as Jimmy Carter, was born on 1 October 1924 in Plains, Georgia, USA. He served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981. Prior to his presidency, he served as the Governor of Georgia and was known for his commitment to human rights and social justice.
As president, his administration was marked by efforts in international diplomacy, including the Camp David Accords, which led to a peace agreement between Egypt and Israel. He also emphasised human rights, environmental conservation, and the promotion of democracy. After leaving office, Carter continued his humanitarian work through the Carter Center, focusing on peace, health, and human rights initiatives worldwide.
Carter was a long-time supporter of the Tibetan cause, advocating for Tibetans’ rights and calling for a peaceful resolution to the Tibet-China conflict. He passed away on December 26, 2024 at the age of 100, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of service, compassion, and advocacy for global peace.
