Dalai Lama Speak !!

Karan Thapar has never been so modest , downplaying as he was during his interaction with his holiness "The Dalai Lama". The 71 Year old Dalai Lama was as cool as ever taking one question at a time and giving crytal clear reply. The views seem to be more realisitic and going with current happenings. And one of the plain speaks in recent times :

For instance he insists :

"Now, I think the whole world knows that I am not seeking independence. As far as history is concerned" .

This clearly gives the direction the struggle is heading. One should appreciate the way he has patiently taken a non-violent struggle and now tweaking to realities still not compromising on the main issue. The issue might have been freedom , in the sense freedom to pursue & preserve their culture. Does not seem to be political freedom.

Atleast thats what is the indication he gives when he points out :

"I think many visit Tibet including many Chinese. When they reach Lhasa, they realise that Tibet is actually ruled by terror. The autonomy is not that. The Tibetan should have their final authority except foreign affairs and defence. The rest of the business Tibetans can handle, may be even batter, because they know Tibetan mentality and geographical situations"

Nothing more could have been crytal clear !!

He also does not hesitate to point out the need for revisiting foreign policy with changing times !
Words of wisdom !

In another sense also this assumes importance as he throws open challenge to the Tibetean youth :

"I tell them ‘yes, you demands are right, doesn’t matter’. But if they really want a different approach then they must assure us, the people the method step by step. That’s not very clear"

This charismatic Chief buddhist monk has shown his pure heart when he said, that he would not worry if he does not see Tibet in this life time ! Final Punch :

"No problem. I am a Buddhist monk, now over 71-years-old. These several years I have trained my mind according to Buddhist teachings. Doesn’t matter"

Final parting thoughts of Dr.Brahma Chellany (reference made by Karan Thapar himself):

"The only way that India can build counter-leverage against Beijing is to quietly reopen the issue of China’s annexation of Tibet and its subsequent failure to grant autonomy to the Tibetans.”

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