Decisive Turn For Tibet’s Future – OpEd
Discerning observers around the world are concerned that increasingly might is being considered as right in shaping the relations between the countries. There is also consensus view that any country with expansionist greed and using oppressive methods and aggressive tactics to overcome other countries should not have the last laugh.
Dalai Lama’s incarnation
In such circumstances, millions of people around the world who hold such progressive views are pleased that His Holiness the Dalai Lama has finally asserted himself in expressing his view that the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation, as per Tibet’s tradition, should be his decision. Obviously, he has said that this should not be the decision of Chinese government.
Against the insistence of the Chinese government that the anointment of next Dalai Lama in Tibet should be as per the approval of the Chinese government, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has clearly said that the institution of the Dalai Lama would continue and that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust would have the authority to recognize the reincarnation and anointment of the next Dalai Lama.
The Spokesperson of the Chinese government reacted sharply against the announcement of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, which is only to be expected from the present leadership of the Chinese government considering its methods and tactics to keep vice like grip over occupied Tibet. It is strange that the communist government in China, which has no faith in religion and controlled by self-confessed atheists now wants to appoint religious head. This speaks volumes about the tactics of the Chinese government.
Firm stand on Tibet’s future
Perhaps, this is the first time in the last several decades that His Holiness the Dalai Lama has taken such a firm stand. This implies and makes it clear that Tibetans will never surrender to the Chinese dictates and continue to strive for liberating Tibet from China’s aggression and protect the dignity and culture and traditions of the Tibetan people and regain the country’s glory.
Silence of other countries
Around seven decades back, China entered Tibet and occupied the country and in the process killed thousands of protesting Tibetans. Though China has been occupying Tibet for several decades now, it is an illegitimate occupation.
Unfortunately, countries around the world, including India, have virtually approved China’s occupation of Tibet and are remaining silent about its violent methods and oppression in Tibet.
It is very obvious that relations between countries today are shaped by self interest, trade relationships and economic benefits and certainly not based on fairness in dealings. There is no indication that such a trend will be reversed in the future.
In such circumstances, the assertive stand of the His Holiness the Dalai Lama against Chinese imposition of the next Dalai Lama may only be watched by other countries and most probably without reacting.
It is good to see that India has said that only the present Dalai Lama and the convention established by him can determine his successor. This stand of India is a positive development, though it is too little and too late. Earlier, India made a mistake by approving the occupation of Tibet by China. In any case, India is unlikely to go beyond the present statement of supporting the Dalai Lama’s decision, as India too like other countries, is guided by economic interests in deciding relations with China, particularly since China is now a super power with around 50% of the world production of several products being made in China.
Confidence boost for Tibetans
At the same time, the assertion of His Holiness the Dalai Lama provides faith and confidence to Tibetans and admirers of Tibet, realizing that there is now a decisive turn in its future.
There are reported to be around one hundred thousand Tibetans in India and several thousands of Tibetans in other countries and most of whom have acquired the citizenship in other countries. However, in the heart of Tibetans, wherever they are and citizens of whichever country they are now in, they should pledge themselves to strive to protect Tibetan’s culture, tradition and value system, as per the lead given by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Tibetans wherever they are should crave to see an independent Tibet with its traditional pristine glory and should not rest until this objective is realized. They have to prove that might should not be deemed to be right and this can be well proved by a sustained movement based on principles of justice and human welfare. This should be the guiding spirit for the Tibetans around the world.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama has given the Tibetans the direction and by his statement has stirred the conscience of the world community, which should come forward to support Tibet’s cause and undo the injustice done to Tibet by China.
Tibetans around the world should take the initiative to organize world opinion to appreciate the clariant call of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to uphold Tibet’s traditional value system and independence.
