Felicitation Ceremony Held In Honour of H.H. the Dalai Lama December 6, 2005

New Delhi, December 6 - The All Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet (APIPFT) organised a Felicitation Ceremony today at the Parliament Annexe in honour of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's selfless contribution towards promotion of international peace and harmony. As many as 130 Members of the Indian Parliament and other dignitaries attended the ceremony which started at 5 in the evening.

New Delhi, December 6, 2005- His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama addressing the members of The All Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet (APIPFT)

Shri. Bashistha N Singh (MP) & Convenor, APIPFT started off the ceremony by welcoming the hall-packed audience and the Guest of Honour, His Holiness the Dalai Lama.Giving a brief introduction of the All Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet, he recounted how the APIPFT has been a strong supporter of the Tibetan issue both in and outside the Indian Parliament. He expressed his pleasure over the fact that the Felicitation Ceremony was held when the Indian Parliament is in session and hoped that His Holiness would address the Parliamentarians inside the Indian Parliament some day. Shri. Mohan Singh (MP) & Convenor, APIPFT then read out the Felicitation letter which was later presented to His Holiness the Dalai Lama along with bouquets of flowers.

In His address, His Holiness expressed His appreciation towards the presentations and pleasure over meeting so many Indian Parliamentarians at one gathering. In his unassuming sense of humour, He called himself the 'longest guest of India' who has been living in His host country for more than 46 years. He thanked the Indian Government for being such a hospitable host to the Tibetan refugee community, which He said, enjoyed great freedom in India.

His Holiness reiterated his concern towards the ongoing cultural genocide in Tibet and China's lack of concern for Tibet's unique and delicate environment and its effect on the Indian subcontinent. He also shared his hope of having a demilitarized Tibet.

Dr. L.M. Singhvi, noted Parliamentarian Chaired the ceremony. In his address, he praised His Holiness's ceaseless quest for Ahimsa, non-violence. Terming His Holiness as 'an apostle of peace and non-violence,' he expressed his hopes that 'His Holiness's proposal for an autonomous arrangement with the Chinese Government will be considered in the spirit in which they were made.'

Shri. M.A.Kharabela Swain (MP) & Convenor, APIPFT concluded the ceremony by his valedictory speech wherein he conveyed his gratitude towards His Holiness the Dalai Lama for addressing the Indian Parliamentarians and also thanked the Parliamentarians and other dignitaries for their participation.

Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche(the Kalon Tripa), Lodi Gyari Rinpoche (the Special Envoy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama), Mr. Pema Jungney (the Chairman of the ATPD), and Mr. Tenpa Tsering (Representative of H.H the Dalai Lama in New Delhi) also attended the ceremony. This is for the second time that His Holiness addressed the Indian Parliamentarians. Incidentally, his first address was also organised in the Parliament Annexe in 1995.