Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on Wednesday said Tibetans are an "inseparable part of the Himachal Pradesh family" and the state is willing to assist the community for their development and progress.
"We don't consider Tibetans as foreigners but as an inseparable part of the family of the people of Himachal Pradesh. We sincerely wish them to flourish and we will always be by their side to assist and ensure their development in all spheres," Singh said at the inauguration function of Himalayan International Festival-2014 at the main Tibetan temple (Tsuglagkhang) of Dalai Lama in Macleodganj in Dharamsala.
Appreciating the efforts of spiritual leader Dalai Lama in promotion of peace and harmony around the world, Singh said, "Dalai Lama is an apostle of compassion and non-violence having profound thoughts like Mahatma Gandhi. He has dedicated his life for the freedom struggle of Tibet and spreading the message of peace, harmony and happiness in the world." "Not only is he working for the world peace but is also serving for mankind as a whole and for the noble cause of humanity," he said.
Singh described his relations with the Dalai Lama as cordial and said it was a matter of pride that he had chosen Himachal Pradesh as his second home.
"It is a matter of great pride that the festival falls in line with 25th Anniversary of the conferment of Noble Peace prize on his holiness Dalai Lama," Singh said, adding that the festival which started in 1995 would be strengthened in years to come.
Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister of Tibetan government-in-exile Lobsang Sangay said they were honoured by the presence of the Chief Minister on the occasion. "Since 1987 the general masses in Tibet have continued to carry out campaigns and peaceful protests. The people of Tibet would continue in their endeavours for liberation of their country," he said.
Scores of Tibetans of all age groups felt driven to carry out self-immolation protests, sacrificing their lives for the sake of the accomplishing liberation, he added.
Speaker of the Tibetan government-in exile Penpa Tsering and HP Tourism Development Board vice-chairman Vijay Singh Mankotia were also present on the occasion.
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