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Dalai Lama asks Tibetans to decide on the future of the Tibetan struggle

By Lobsang Wangyal | Tibet Sun

The Dalai Lama arrives at the Tibetan Children’s Village School to attend its 48th anniversary in Dharamshala on Saturday, 25 October 2008. It was his first public engagement after a successful gallstone operation in Delhi on 10 October.Tibet Sun/Lobsang Wangyal/India

The Dalai Lama said the Tibetan issue has been in impasse despite his efforts to resolve it with the Chinese leaders, as he began his first public engagement after a successful gallstone operation in Delhi on 10 October.

“There is no sign from the Chinese side to resolve the Tibetan issue. I have therefore asked the Tibetan people to decide on the future course of action,” the Dalai Lama said during the 48th anniversary of the Tibetan Children’s Village School in Dharamshala.

A special meeting will be held in Dharamshala from 17 to 22 November for Tibetans to discuss the future of the Tibetan struggle. The Dalai Lama, on 11 September, asked the Tibetan government-in-exile and the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile, using his special privilege under Article 59 of the Charter of the Tibetans-in-exile, to convene the special meeting.

“I, therefore, appeal all the Tibetans to take active part in the discussions,” the Dalai Lama said.

The Dalai Lama has been seeking autonomy for Tibet rather than independence..

Seven rounds of talks between the two sides since 2002 has not produced any breakthrough. The Dalai Lama’s envoys are due to leave for Beijing for the eighth round of talks by the end of the month.

Speaking on the occasion he also stressed for the need of modern education for Tibetans. “Traditional education alone will not make a perfect Tibetan. Modern education, particularly professional level, is very important to have for Tibetans to go with the times.”

He lamented that not many professionals are seen among Tibetans.

He added that he has been campaigning for modern education since 1957. “In a meeting in Dromo with Tibetan and some Chinese officials while I was enroute to Lhasa after visiting India and meeting Nehru in 1956, I first spoke about the need for modern education for the Tibetan people.”

“After coming into exile, our first priority was education among the Tibetans. Pandit Nehru (the first Prime Minister of India) took special interest in the education of the Tibetan children.” he said.

The Dalai Lama also spoke about his health. “I had an operation to remove gallstones (on 10 October). It was successful. I am fine now and there is no cause for concern.”

Copyright © 2008 Tibet Sun

Published in Tibet Sun