At the International conference of Tibet Support Groups, the Buddhist religious leader tells the world that it is in their interest to save Tibet’s environment and culture, now under threat from Chinese policies. Several voices from around the world express their solidarity with the Tibetan people, and hope for better relations with the people and leaders of China.

Surajkund (AsiaNews) – The 6th International conference of Tibet Support Groups, organised by the Core Group for the Tibetan Cause, opened last Friday in Surajkund near New Delhi in the presence of foreign dignitaries. The Dalai Lama used the occasion to appeal to the international community to consider the Tibetan question, not only as a human rights issue, but also in relation to Tibet’s environment and culture.

Tibet’s spiritual leader, in his address, focused on the possible consequences of current Chinese policies. He noted that about a billion people depend on rivers that flow out of Tibet. Citing Chinese scientists who have dubbed the Tibetan plateau as the Third Pole, he said that it is as important to the earth’s environment as the North and South Poles.

Based on scientific, not political considerations, the Dalai Lama said that China and all other countries that depend on Tibetan water must preserve his country’s environmental balance. Instead, the latter is being threatened by Chinese economic policies, including large-scale hydroelectric development.

On the issue of culture, he explained that Tibet’s traditions are not limited to the Buddhist religion, but also include Tibetan Buddhist science and philosophy, which can contribute to development of humanity beyond the Buddhist world. One example is the ancient Indian principle of Ahimsa, based on compassion. He explained that Tibetan Buddhist culture focuses on peace and compassion, an approach to life that can guide and move the whole of humanity.

Turning to relations with China, the Dalai Lama said that its lack of transparency is a major obstacle to finding a solution to the Tibetan question. Beijing’s distorted propaganda and its censorship further complicate matters. With open dialogue and an independent justice system, the Tibetan question could instead be settled quickly.

The Dalai Lama said that he advocated gradual change in China rather than a quick shift to democracy, which could lead to disorder. For the same reason, he believes that the Chinese Communist Party should progressively relinquish its control over public life.

A number of foreign dignitaries attended the conference’s opening session. In his address, former Indian Deputy Prime Minister Lal Krishna Advani praised the Tibet Support Groups. At the same time, he called on China to engage the Dalai Lama in a sincere dialogue, and recognise the legitimate aspirations of the Tibetan people.

Sino-Indian relations can evolve, he said, adding that the nations will play a key role in the 21st century. Their two civilisations have much in common, something they both owe to Tibetan civilisation.

Mr Advani used the occasion to release a book titled ‘2008 Uprising in Tibet:  Chronology and Analysis’, published by the Tibetan Department of Information and International Relations.

For Beijing, the Dalai Lama has been a dangerous terrorist for many years. Similarly, Chinese authorities have persecuted people who try to defend the human and cultural rights of Tibetans, often accusing them of separatism.

The conference’s inaugural ceremony began with the Master of Ceremony Vijay Kranti inviting the Dalai Lama and Mr L.K. Advani to light lamps for Diwali, the festival of lights.

Dr Nand Kishore Trikha, national convenor of the Core Group for the Tibetan Cause and a former editor of Navbharat Times, India’s leading Hindi-language newspaper, insisted that the Tibet question involves the whole of humanity.

Greetings reached the conference from around the world. Peter Slipper, deputy speaker of the Australian House of Representatives, and Bob Brown, a member of the Australian Senate, sent messages in support of the Tibetan question.

Australian lawmaker Michael Danby, a member of the All-Party parliamentary Group for Tibet, noted that Chinese pressure has forced many governments to limit their support for Tibet and its people. Nevertheless, it is good to see such a large-scale event reassert world solidarity with Tibet.

International Tibet Support Network Co-Chair Dennis Cusack stressed the need for greater activity and effective support for the Tibetan cause, especially among ordinary Chinese and young Chinese Communists.

Yang Jianli, president of Initiatives for China, said that more and more Han Chinese know who the Dalai Lama really is and understand the cause of Tibetan rights, something that touches all of China.

As for the decision by Chinese authorities to stop using Tibetan as the language of teaching in Tibetan areas, he said it was a form of cultural genocide.

Lawmakers from India, the Philippines and Russia also addressed the gathering. Each, in his own way, spoke about the same issues and concerns voiced by the Dalai Lama.

Tsewang Dhondup also spoke. In March 2008, he was wounded during a demonstration by bullets fired by Chinese police.  

The weeklong conference will address a number of initiatives in support of the Tibetan cause. (N.C.)

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