The Newz Radar
DHARAMSHALA: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu extended warm greetings to Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on the occasion of his 88th birthday and participated in the celebrations held at Dalai Lama’s temple McLeodganj in Dharamshala on Thursday (July 6, 2023). The Chief Minister also honoured the spiritual leader on the occasion.
Replying to a media query, the Chief Minister said the Himachal government would seek Bharat Ratna, the top Indian civilian honour, for the Tibetan spiritual leader, who has a massive following worldwide. Sukhu replied in affirmative when asked if the government would send a proposal to the Narendra Modi government in this regard.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi too rang up the Dalai Lama to wish him on his birthday. “Spoke to His Holiness @theDalaiLama and conveyed heartfelt greetings to him on his 88th birthday. Wishing him a long and healthy life,” the Prime Minister tweeted. The call between the two leaders lasted around 15 minutes
Chief Minister Sukhu said that the people of the Tibetan community and Himachal Pradesh had a deep-rooted relationship, spanning a remarkable 75 years. He highlighted the harmonious co-existence between the two communities and assured that the state government would extend a helping hand towards the welfare of the Tibetan community.
“The Dalai Lama’s life journey is replete with unwavering dedication and struggles. All should draw an inspiration from the teachings and experiences of the Dalai Lama. All must incorporate his thoughts in their own lives and lead on the path of spirituality,” he said.
Recognising the Dalai Lama as an embodiment of non-violence, compassion and brotherhood, the Chief Minister said that the Dalai Lama was known as a harbinger of love, peace and fraternity worldwide. He commended the Dalai Lama’s tireless advocacy for the rights of Tibet and its people. In recognition of his efforts, the Dalai Lama had been honoured with the Nobel Peace Prize, he said.
CM Sukhu expressed appreciation for the Dalai Lama’s endeavours in enlightening the youth about India’s rich ancient culture, knowledge and values. “The spiritual leader’s message has resonated across the world, garnering immense love and support from people globally and earning him over 150 awards for his contributions to peace,” the Chief Minister said.
President of Central Tibetan Administration Penpa Tsering, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile Khenpo Sonam Tenphal, Chief Minister’s wife Kamlesh Thakur, Agriculture Minister Prof Chander Kumar, Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation Chairman Raghuvir Singh Bali, Principal Adviser to Chief Minister (IT and Innovations) Gokul Butail, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Ashish Butail and Kishori Lal, MLAs Yadvinder Goma, Kewal Singh Pathania, Malender Rajan, OSD Ritesh Keprate, District Congress Committee president Ajay Mahajan and Kangra Deputy Commissioner Nipun Jindal were among dignitaries present on the occasion.
