Don’t attend Dalai Lama’s function, says Govt

The Dalai Lama had recently visited the United States, where he received the highest civilian award bestowed by the US Congress, much to the chagrin of China, which unleashed a fresh tirade at the US over his warm reception in Washington.

Saturday’s felicitation function was organised by the Gandhi Peace Foundation and the All India Parliamentary Forum for Tibet.

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, who was to address the function and had confirmed her participation, too skipped it. Her office told the organisers that she had to “rush” to Mumbai for a meeting.

The organisers of the function expressed disappointment over the absence of Ministers.

The Dalai Lama himself refused to attach much importance to the issue.

Asked whether Indian government’s representatives should have been present on the occasion, he said, “No, I don’t think (so)…This is private (function).”

Asked about the relations between him and the Indian government, the Dalai Lama said it was “excellent”.

“We had sent invitations to all Ministers and MPs. But no Minister turned up citing some reason or the other,” said Gelek Namgyal, Programme Coordinator of the function.

However, Parliamentary Forum convener Bashishtha Narain Singh said, “We did not invite any Minister personally. We just sent invitations to all MPs.”

Asked about the absence of Dikshit, Singh said, “She had to cancel it at the last minute. Don’t try to read any meaning in this.”

Among those present to honour the Dalai Lama were former Prime Minister I K Gujral, Delhi Mayor Arti Mehra, scholar Kapila Vatsayan and other supporters of the Tibetan cause.

The move comes in the wake of government assuring China that it will not allow Dalai Lama to engage in political activities.