By Narendra Kaushik
Dharamshala – Tibet’s first Prime Minister Samdhong Rinpoche has many responsibilities, though he is exile. Living in Mcleodganj, Dharamshala, in Himachal Pradesh, he was elected in March 2001.
The 64-year-old professor and ex-vice chancellor of Sarnath University, heads a four-member cabinet and formulates policies on education, rehabilitation of exiled Tibetans, finance and other subjects.
He also has the arduous task of finding a solution to the Tibetan demand of self-rule from China, which has taken over the country since 1949. Excerpts from the interview.
How did you become Prime Minister?
I was elected in 2001 by Tibetans in India. The Dalai Lama asked Parliament to make an amendment in the Constitution to facilitate the election.
Is your government recognised?
The government is not recognised, but India is doing whatever it can to help us. What difference does recognition make? We’re free to approach anybody.
What are your powers and responsibilities?
People without territories can’t have powers. The cabinet looks after the welfare of Tibetans in India, creates awareness about the Tibetan movement, and looks after dialogue with Chinese authorities. We’re in contact with about 100 countries, where Tibetan support groups exist. Our demand is that Tibet be made an autonomous region.
Have you given up the demand for Free Tibet?
We’re asking for free Tibet, not independent Tibet. We want to discuss with China genuine self-rule for Tibet.
