Patna: A Tibetan parliamentary delegation, consisting of Parliamentarians Tenpa Yarphel and Lopon Thupten Gyaltsen, attended a meeting titled ‘Tibet Mukti Sadhana Aur Bharat-China Sambandh’. The event, organized by the India Tibet Friendship Society and the Jagjivan Ram Institute of Parliamentary Studies and Research (Patna), took place from November 16-17, 2024.

On November 16, 2024, an inaugural conference was held where the two members of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, MP Tenpa Yarphel and MP Lopon Thupten Gyaltsen, delivered speeches on the Tibet issue.

In his address, MP Lopon Thupten Gyaltsen emphasized several key points about what India’s government and people can do to support Tibet. He highlighted Tibet’s historical independence, referencing the 1914 Simla Convention during British rule and Tibet’s participation as an independent nation at the 1947 Asian Relations Conference in Delhi. He stressed that before Tibet’s occupation by China, the Indo-Tibetan border remained peaceful and did not require military deployment. He urged the Indian public to recognize that establishing Tibet as a peaceful buffer zone between India and China would benefit both countries and promote peace across Asia and the world.

The MP also emphasized the cultural and spiritual ties between Tibet and India, pointing out that Tibetan Buddhism, which originated from ancient Indian traditions, is integral to the Himalayan region’s culture. He called for increased support from India to preserve Tibetan religion and culture during these critical times, stressing India’s significant role as host to the world’s largest Tibetan refugee population, as well as to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration.

In closing, he proposed that His Holiness the Dalai Lama, one of the world’s most respected leaders and a guardian of India’s ancient spiritual wisdom, be awarded India’s highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna. He argued that such an honor would bring immense pride to Tibetans, the Himalayan peoples, and his global followers.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including Dr. Sanjay Paswan, Former Union Minister; Professor Anand Kumar, Patron of the India Tibet Friendship Society; Dr. Ramachandra Purve, Former RJD President and Education Minister; Mr. Harendra Kumar, President of Bihar ITFS; and Mr. Pema Khando Bhutia, Regional Convener of CGTC-I.