News and Views on Tibet

Tibetan leaders congratulate Indian Vice-President Elect Jagdeep Dhankhar

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Indian Vice-President Elect Jagdeep Dhankar (L) and His Holiness the Dalai Lama (R) (Photo/CTA)

By Choekyi Lhamo                                              

DHARAMSHALA, Aug 8: Tibetan leaders including the spiritual head of the Tibetan people His Holiness the Dalai Lama has written to the VP-elect Jagdeep Dhankhar on Monday, congratulating him for being elected the 14th Vice-President of India. “India has taken great strides in many fields, especially in science and technology. As someone who has lived here for most of my life, I consider myself very much part of Indian society. It is auspicious that you are taking up this august position on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of India’s independence,” the Dalai Lama wrote in a letter.

The Nobel Laureate who is currently in Ladakh further wrote, “I believe that it is most important to incorporate the study of India’s ancient knowledge into modern educational systems, purely from a secular and academic perspective. India is uniquely well-positioned to combine these two essential bodies of knowledge. I am aware that such initiatives have begun in several states, and I very much hope that they will grow across the nation.”

The Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, Khenpo Sonam Tenphel also extended his congratulations to Jagdeep Dhankar for becoming the 14th Vice-President of the Indian republic. “I would like to express my heartfelt congratulation to you, on behalf of the entire Tibetan people and the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile on winning the Vice President election,” he wrote, wishing him best for new future endeavors that his government will undertake.

“The people and the government of India have consistently supported the Tibetans and non-violent struggle of Tibet for which we are very grateful. India is the second home to the Tibetans for more than six decades and we remain indebted for the kindness and support provided by India,” the Speaker further remarked to highlight the continuous support by the Indian government for the Tibetan cause.

The BJP led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate Dhankhar won with a huge vote share of 74.36%, the highest since the last six Vice-presidential elections, bagging 528 votes against joint opposition candidate Margaret Alva’s 182 votes. The former governor of West Bengal will take oath as the 14th Vice President of India on August 11.

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